

I 



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THE BEN GREET SHAKESPEARE 

EOR YOUNG READERS AND AMATEUR PLAYERS 






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MARCUS BRUTUS 

Brutus, thou sleep'' st; 
Awake, and see thvself " 



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ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, INCLUDING THAT OF TRANSLATION 
INTO FOREIGN LANGUAGES, INCLUDING THE SCANDINAVIAN 



COPYRIGHT, Igi2, BY DOUBLEDAY. PAGE & COMPANY 



?CU32067 



A FEW GENERAL RULES OR CUSTOMS 
OF ACTING 

The letters R and L indicate the position of 
players on the stage facing the audience. 
R 1, Ll are the entrances nearest the front. 
Go up means from the audience; go down 
is toward the audience. R C is the right 
side of the centre, — and so forth. 

When the characters enter, the person speaking 
generally comes second. 

Do not huddle together; do not stand in lines; 
and do not get in such angles that you cannot 
be seen by the sides of an audience. 

Stand still — keep the leg nearest the audience 
back, gesticulate seldom and with the hand 
farthest from the audience. Do not point to 
your chest or heart when you say I, my and 
mine, nor to your neighbor when saying ihoUf 
thy, and thine, unless absolutely necessary. 

Try to reverse the usual acting of the present 
day and eliminate the personal pronoun 



vi RULES OR CUSTOMS OF ACTING 

as far as possible (Shakespeare does it all the 
time). Occasionally the pointing gesture is 
necessary — but seldom. 

Do not try to say more than six words, or at 
most eight, in one breath. Careful punct- 
uation and accent are harmonious and neces- 
sary. Whatever you do, sound the last 
two or three words of the Hne or sentence: 
dropping the voice is the worst fault of our 
best actors. Do not speak to your audience 
or at your audience, but with your fellow 
actors, remembering, of course, that you have 
invisible hsteners, and that the last man in 
the house wants to hear and see. 

Do not imitate our star actors. Try to be 
natural, spontaneous, and original. At the 
same time, keep control of yourself and your 
emotions. To appear to be, and not really 
to be the character you are acting, is, perhaps, 
the perfection of the art. 

Don't fidget your hands and feet — forget 
them, and let them be where the good 
Lord has placed them. 

These few hints will be useful for all plays. 
I shall give more intimate notes as we go along. 



RULES OR CUSTOMS OF ACTING vii 

The diagrams show the positions, entrances, 
etc. 

The plays are cut to the length of an ordinary- 
performance. Lines can be restored or further 
cut, if desirable, always remembering that a 
play given on what we will always call the 
Shakespeare stage should be given more rapidly, 
with no pauses between scenes or between en- 
trances and exits, and with possibly only one 
intermission (of perhaps five minutes), as near 
as possible halfway through; and most of the 
plays can be acted in their entirety in about 
three hours, some of them in much less time — 
one or two of them take much more. If we can- 
not quite reduce ours to the happy medium of 
two hours, we must get as near it as possible. It 
is better to send your friends away wanting more, 
than to have them go home yawning! This is a 
word to the wise. 

As to stage setting, it can be done in lots 
of ways: with scenery, or with screens, or 
curtains, or in the open air. Strange as it 
may appear, the plays of Shakespeare are 
equally effective whichever way we may choose 
to give them. I imagine most good plays will 
bear that test. 



viii RULES OR CUSTOMS OF ACTING 

Remember that Shakespeare is the most 
perfect English. Do not imitate some of 
those professors, especially teachers of what 
is called Elocution and Expression, if by any 
chance they happen to pronounce it in up-to- 
date American or cockney British, or tell you 
it was conceived in any other brogue, accent, or 
pronunciation than the purest of pure English. 
There are a few mistakes in his plays, and some 
printer's errors, about which volumes have 
been written. Study the humanity, the heart, 
the English of Shakespeare, as of the Bible — 
those two wonderful Books of the same gener- 
ation — the one splendidly revised and per- 
fected by many scholars, the other produced 
in a state of nature and yet almost perfect — 
study them, my young friends, inwardly digest 
your Bible and outwardly demonstrate your 
Shakespeare: you will then start in life pretty 
well equipped. 



JULIUS C^SAR 




DRAMATIS PERSONS 

CiNNA, a poet. 



Another 
Poet. 

I Friends to 



JuuiTS CiESAR. Triumvirs 

OcTAVius CiESAE, J after LuciLius, 
Marcus Antonius, > the death Titinixjs, i 
M.^EmiliusLepidus, ) '^J/jfj^^ Messala, ^ ^''"^"^ 

Young Cato, 
volumnius, 
Varro, 
Clitus 
Claudius, 
Strato, 
Luaus, 
Daedanius 

PiNDARUS, servant to Cas^ 
sius. 



Cicero 

PUBLIUS, 

PopiLius Lena, 
Marcus Brutus, 
Cassius, 
Casca, 
Trebonius, 

LiGARIUS, 

Decius Brutus, 
Metellus Cimbee, 

ClNfNA, 



Ccesar. 
Senators. 



Conspira- 
tors 
against 
Julius 
Ccssar. 



i and 
J Cassius. 



Servants 
to 
Brutus. 



Calpurnia, wife to Casar. 



Flavius and Marullus, tribunes. Portia, wife to Brutus. 
Artemidorus of Cnidos, a teacher Senators, Citizens, Guards 

of Rhetoric. Attendants, etc. 

A Soothsayer. 

Scene: Rome; the neighbourhood of Sardis; the neigh- 
bourhood of Philippi. 



Note: Where there are not enough actors to fill all these 
characters, some must be duplicated. The characters 
of Trebonius, Cimber and Decius can speak many lines 
in the first and last scenes. 



The setting of Julius Ccesar is simple; a cloth 
at extreme back of stage to represent a Roman 
Street, Square or Public Place. It can stand for 
many of the scenes, with an occasional cut cloth of 
pillars or arches, to make a change of location if 
required. 

The tragedy can also be given in the '^ Eliza- 
bethan^^ manner, in which form it is most effective. 
But in order to keep the atmosphere of Shake- 
speare'' s time, the costumes of the period should be 
worn, with togas, Roman swords, helmets, shields, 
spears, etc. 

In the theatre form with Roman setting the cos- 
tumes should be correctly Roman. Be careful 
not to wear pink fleshings, but flesh tints; under 
proper circumstances, bare arms and legs are per- 
missible. If Elizabethan, there should be some 
green wreaths hung on the pillars, to denote a holi- 
day in Rome. 



ACT I 

Scene I. Rome. A street 

Enter Flavius, Marullus, and certain 
Commoners 

Flav. (R C). Hence! home, you idle crea- 
tures, get you home: 
Is this a holiday? what ! know you not, 
Being mechanical, you ought not walk 
Upon a labouring day without the sign 
Of your profession? Speak, what trade art 
thou? 
First Com. {L C). Why, sir, a carpenter. 
Mar. (R). Where is thy leather apron and 
thy rule? (Crosses to R C.) 
What dost thou with thy best apparel on? 
You, sir, what trade are you? 
Sec. Com. (R C). Truly, sir, in respect of a 
fine workman, 
I am but, as you would say, a cobbler. 
3 



The scene is crowded with citizens on pleasure 
bent. They fill the stage, young men and women, 
older people, beggars, hawkers, children. Flavius 
and Marullus keep R and R C; the rest of the 
crowd mostly L and L C at opening. 
- ^The woman presses forivard here as if to speak. 




FIav1u3 A\arullu3 



Woman <tch*i Id 



JULIUS CESAR 

Mar. But what trade art thou? answer me 
directly. 

Sec. Com. {Crosses to LC). A trade, sir, that, 
I hope, I may use with a safe conscience; which 
is, indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles. 

Mar. \Miat trade, thou knave? thou naughty 
knave, what trade? 

Sec. Com. Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not 
out with me: yet, if you be out, sir, I can mend 
3-ou. 

Mar. \Miat mean'st thou by that? mend me, 
thou saucy fellow! 

Sec. Com. Why, sir, cobble you. 

Fluv. Thou art a cobbler, art thou? 

Sec. Com. Truly, sir, all that I live by is 
with the awl: I meddle with no tradesman's 
matters/ nor women's matters, but with awl. 
I am, indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes; when 
the}- are in great danger, I recover them. As 
proper men as ever trod upon neat's leather 
have gone upon m}- handiwork. 

Flav. {R C). But wherefore are thou not 
in thy shop to-day ? Why dost thoii lead these 
men about the streets ? 

Sec. Com. (L C ). Truly, sir, to wear out 



special Note. — In all cases where omissions 
are marked as best for the shortening of these plays, 
the lines can, at all times, he restored if desirable. 
Indeed, the presentation of this wonderful work, as 
Shakespeare wrote it, is most desirable. It takes 
three hours played rapidly as in Shakespeare's 
time, with no changes of scene or, at the most, the 
drawing to and fro of a "traverse,^' or curtain, dis- 
closing an inner stage. I have seen several per- 
formances with, at least, a third of the text cut, but 
with such elaboration of scenery, that the repre- 
sentation has lasted four hours. 

^The mob begins to be troublesome at this reproof. 

^The women throw flowers down and toss them 
in the air. 

Mt these words the crowd begins to waver as to 
rebellion or peace. 

Flavius crosses in amongst the people. They 
gradually soften to his persuasiveness, then scat- 
ter and cross the stage, some going R1-2 and 3 
entrances, some going left. The manipulation 
of these crowds, especially at colleges, must be 
left to individual attention. The great point is to 
have them quite natural, not formal or theatrical, 
but well disciplined so that there is no shouting 
6 



JULIUS C^SAR 

their shoes, to get myself into more work. But, 
indeed, sir, we make holiday, to see Caesar and 
to rejoice in his triumph. (Shouts.) 
Mar. Wherefore rejoice ? What conquest 
brings he home ? (Murmurs.) 
What tributaries follow him to Rome, 
To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels ? 
You blocks, you stones, you worse than sense- 
less things (Murmurs.) 
O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome, 
Knew you not Pompey many a time and 

oft ? (A general buzz.) 
And do you now put on your best attire?^ 
And do you now cull out a holiday?^ 
And do you now strew flowers in his way 
That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood? 
Be gone! (They move R and L.) 
Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, 
Pray to the gods to intermit the plague 
That needs must light on this ingratitude.^ 
Flav. (crosses to R C.) Go, go, good country- 
men, and, for this fault, 
^Assemble all the poor men of your sort; 
Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your 
tears 



or speaking above the characters; all murmurs 
should he shaded, growing from a faint buzz to a 
big volume gradually, and vice versa; never begin 
or end abruptly. 

^Pulls the wreaths down from the pillars and 
throws them on stage. Marullus pulls down 
any .other decoration, later on. 
CIoltiofRome 



■Platform O Pompeyb srajuerifrecitih-ed 

CIolhwTth Pillars ' 



O Pillar I 3 PO I I O^ I I O Pillar 

Wing 3 R S'epa @^ Step3 Q^ 3tep3 W£nd3L 

iSrooI stool ^ 



AW'ngaR Wmga.L 



Wmgl R ^Vftigl.U 



Stools can be placed in semi-circular form for Senators, 
with important seat above steps for Caesar 

This is a useful stage setting for the first part 
of play up to the end of the " oration.^' 

The scene of Brutus^ orchard can be a front 
cloth in 2; of Ccesar^s room a cloth in i^. A plat- 

8 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Into the channel, till the lowest stream 
Do kiss the most exalted shores of all. 

[Exeunt all the Commoners R and L, their con- 
versations gradually dying away. 
See where their basest metal be not mov'd; 
They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness. 
Go you down that way toward the Capitol; 
This way will I:^ disrobe the images, 
If you do find them deck'd with ceremonies. 

Mar. May we do so? 
You know it is the feast of Lupercal. 

Flav. It is no matter; let no images 
Be hung with Csesar's trophies.^ I'll about, 
And drive away the vulgar from the streets: 
So do you too, where you perceive them thick. 
These growing feathers pluck'd from Caesar's 

wing 
Will make him fly an ordinary pitch, 
Who else would soar above the view of men 
And keep us all in servile fearfulness. [Exeunt 

Flourish. Enter CjiSAr; Antony, /or the course; 
Calpurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, 
Cassius, and Casca; a great crowd following, 
among them a Soothsayer. 



form with steps down can he used up stage to go 
right across. This is elective in plays and can 
often remain all through. It helps the entrance 
and exits oj dignitaries, generals, fairies, etc. 
On the floor should he used a cloth of indefinite 
hroivn or gray shade, sometimes green, in which 
case it should he a good dark colour. The painting 
of scenes is an art: in my opinion, indefinite hack- 
grounds of neutral colour, are best for these plays. 

^A long flourish of trumpets should follow the 
exit; distant murmur of crowds, all coming in one 
direction from the L. The crowd comes first, some 
of them replacing the wreaths; then soldiers, then 
the senators; as many as possible, hut eight to ten 
at least, half precede and half follow Ccesar. A 
great shouting. The Soothsayer is hidden among 
the crowd R. The Soothsayer^ s hands go up in the 
crowd, he is hardly seen, and a feeble voice trying 
to be heard. 

^Be sure and emphasize "ides'' (not March, 
only, as is usually done). 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Cces. Calpurnia! 

Casca. Peace, ho! Caesar speaks. 

Cces. Calpurnia! 

Cal. Here, my lord. 

Cces. Stand you directly in Antonius' way, 
When he doth run his course. Antonius! 

Ant. Caesar, my lord? 

CcBS. Forget not, in your speed, Antonius, 
To touch Calpurnia; for our elders say. 
The barren, touched in his holy chase, 
Shake off their sterile curse. 

Ant. I shall remember: 

When Caesar says "do this," it is perform'd 
, Cces. Set on; and leave no ceremony out. 

[Flourish; they are going K} 

Sooth. (R). Caesar! 

Cces. Ha! who calls? 

Casca. {L). Bid every noise be still: peace 
yet again! 

Cces. Who is it in the press that calls on 
me? 
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music. 
Cry "Cffisar!" Speak; Caesar is turn'd to hear. 

Sooth. Beware the ides^ of March. 

Cces. (C). What man is that? 




Brvtus C&c«iiu9 



^The Soothsayer is almost pulled out of the crowd. 

^They all cross and exeunt Ri; a great crowd 
shouting, trumpets braying, all sweep after Caesar 
and Antony; who go of through the single file 
made hy the crowd; soldiers going first, then follow 
Calpurnia, Portia, and other women, and other 
senators following, those from L crossing over. 
Brutus and Cassius cross, and when Casca, who 




JULIUS C^SAR 

Bru. (R). A soothsayer bids you beware the 

ides of March. 
CcBS. (C). Set him before me; let me see his 

face. 
Cas. (R). Fellow, come from the throng; 

look upon Cassar.^ 
CcBS. (C). What say'st thou to me now? 

speak once again. 
Sooth. (R). Beware the ides of March. 
Cas. He is a dreamer; let us leave him: 

pass. (Shouts of " Long live Ccesarl") 
[Sennet. Exeunt except Brutus and Cassius.^ 
Cas. (R). Will you go see the order of the 

course? 
Bru. (L). Not I. 
Cas. (R). I pray you, do. 
Bru. {L C). I am not gamesome: I do lack 
some part 
Of that quick spirit that is in Antony. 
Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires; 
I'll leave you {going L). 
Cas. (R C). Brutus, I do observe you now 
of late : {Brutus stops L) 
I have not from your eyes that gentleness 
And show of love as I was wont to have: 
13 



goes last, crosses, he is stopped hy Cassius, who 
speaks to him. Brutus, going over to L, does not 
notice this; Casca goes of R; Brutus sits on a stool 
which is up LbytheLC pillar. 

^Cassius begins his playing on Brutus very 
warily; at this point he goes across stage to him. 

^Brutus looks up very candidly. 



14 



JULIUS C^SAR 

You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand 
Over your friend that loves you. 

Bru. Cassius, 

Be not deceiv'd: if I have veil'd my look, 
I turn the trouble of my countenance 
Merely upon myself {sits L C). Vexed I am 
Of late with passions of some difference, 
Conceptions only proper to myself, 
Which give some soil perhaps, to my behaviour; 
But let not therefore my good friends be 

griev'd — 
(Among which number, Cassius, be you one — ) 
Nor construe any further my neglect. 
Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, 
Forgets the shows of love to other men. 

Cas. (R C). Then, Brutus, I have much mis- 
took your passion; 
By means whereof this breast of mine hath 

buried 
Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations. 
Tell me,^ good Brutus, can you see your face? 

Bru.^ No, Cassius; for the eye sees not itself 
But by reflection — by some other things. 

Cas. 'Tis just: 
And it is very much lamented, Brutus, 

IS 



^Brutus, although a politician, had a generous, 
unsuspecting nature. He is here the type of man 
with unsettled convictions, who lets himself drift 
under a strong influence, presumably for the good 
of his country. A dangerous patriot. 

^Cassius here presses his cause very hard. He 
may stand almost against the pillar, dominating 
the situation. 

^Be very careful some reliable person has charge 
of all these shouts, which should sound as if half 
a mile away. The best way is, to get as many 
people as possible, to shout very loud in an adjoin- 
ing room with the door closed, and open and shut it 
at intervals. 



i6 



JULIUS C^SAR 

That you have no such mirrors as will turn 

Your hidden worthiness into your eye, 

That you might see your shadow. I have 

heard, 
Where many of the best respect in Rome, 
(Except immortal Caesar,) speaking of Brutus 
And groaning underneath this age's yoke. 
Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes. 
Bru} Into what dangers would you lead me, 
Cassius, 
That you would have me seek into myself 
For that which is not in me? 
Cas} Therefore, good Brutus, be prepar'd 
to hear: 
And since you know you cannot see yourself 
So well as by reflection, I, your glass, 
Will modestly discover to yourself 
That of yourself which you yet know not of. 

[Flourish, and shout 
Bru. (rises). What means this shouting?^ 
I do fear, the people {crosses to Ri) 
Choose Caesar for their king. 

Cas. {remaining) . Ay, do you fear it? 
Then must I think you would not have it so. 
{Going down C.) 

17 



'^Brutus is looking of R; he turns and finds 
Cassius R C to C almost blocking his way; he 
pauses; they look at each other. 

^Cassius here practically "buttonholes'^ Brutus; 
he quietly leads him to the seat up LC once more; 
Brutus eventually sits. 

^Note. — This speech is very fine, but it is long 
unless magnificently given, with changes of voice 
and manner. The cut, as suggested, does not 
alter the significance and is better than a cut later 
on in the speech. 



i8 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Bru.^ (R C). I would not, Cassius; yet I 
love him well. ^T^ 
But wherefore do you hold me here so long? 
What is it that you would impart to me? 
If it be aught toward the general good, 
Set honour in one eye, and death i' th' other, 
And I will look on both indifferently, 
For let the gods so speed me, — as I love 
The name of honour, more than I fear death. 

Cas.^ (C). I know that virtue to be in you, 
Brutus, 
As well as I do know your outward favour. 
Well, honour is the subject of my story. 
I cannot tell what you and other men 
Think of this hfe; but, for my single self, 
I had as lief not be as live to be 
In awe of such a thing as I myself. 

{Brutus sits L C.) 
1 was born free as C^sar; so were you: 
We both have fed as well, and we can both 
Endure the winter's cold as well as he: 
For once, upon a raw and gusty day,^ 
The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores, 
Caesar said to me "Dar'st thou, Cassius, now 
Leap in with me into this angry flood, 
19 



' ^Cassius looks at Brutus here half expecting 
a reply from him, and not receiving one he proceeds 
with change of tone and renewed energy. 

^Brutus looks up almost astonished, half he- 
lieving. 

^Cassitis here lets loose his indignation and 
crosses up and down toward R. 



JULIUS C^SAR 

And swim to yonder point?" Upon the word, 

Accoutred as I was, I plunged in 

And bade him follow; so indeed he did. 

The torrent roar'd, and we did buffet it 

With lusty sinews, throwing it aside 

And stermning it with hearts of controversy; 

But ere we could arrive the point propos'd, 

Caesar cried, "Help me, Cassius, or I sinkj" 

I, as iEneas, our great ancestor, 

Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder 

The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of 

Tiber 
Did I the tired Caesar. And this man 
Is now become a god, and Cassius is 
A wretched creature and must bend his body, 
If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.^ 
He had a fever when he was in Spain, 
And when the fit was on him, I did mark 
How he did shake :^ 'tis true, this god did shake: 
His coward lips did from their colour fly. 
And that same eye whose bend doth awe the 

world 
Did lose his lustre: 
Ye gods,^ it doth amaze me 
A man of such a feeble temper should 



^Cassius looks off R. 

^Cassius goes over to Brutus here. 

Be sure and emphasize masters more than fates. 
I do not propose in these places to discourse on 
emphasis and accent, hut almost the whole meanings 
of Shakespeare can he altered hy wrongly accented 
phrases. It is so easy to know the poefs meaning 
by his rhythm. Therefore, in places where my soul 
has heen horribly disturbed in the theatre, I am 
taking the liberty of interfering with the work of the 
teacher of diction, and accenting for the guidance 
of the actor. ' 'Men at some time are masters of their 
FATES." The meaning of the line is so strong. 

^Brutus is still unmoved. It is almost incredible 
to Cassius that he is not understood. 

^Cassius invokes all the gods theatrically. 



JULIUS C^SAR 

So get the start of the majestic world 

And bear the palm alone. [Shout. Flourish 

Bru. Another general shout! (Rises) 
I do believe that these applauses are 
For some new honours that are heap'd on Cccsar. 
Cas.^ Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow 
world 
Like a Colossus, and we petty men 
Walk under his huge legs and peep about 
To find ourselves dishonourable graves. (Brutus 

sits again; a slight pause.) 
Men at some time are masters^ of their fates: 
The fault, dear Briitus, is not in our stars, 
But in ourselves, that we are underHngs. '"T^ 
Brutus and C^sar:^ what should be in that 

"C^sar"? 
Why should that name be sounded more than 

yours? 
Write them together, yours is as fair a name; 
Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well; 
Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with 'em. 
"Brutus" will start a spirit as soon as "Csesar." 
Now, in the names of all the gods^ at once, 
Upon what meat doth this our Cassar feed, 
That he is grown so great? Age, thou art sham'd ! 
23 



^Cassius waits for an answer and he gets it, very 
slowly and deliberately from Brutus, who rises and 
looks him straight in the eyes. 

'^Through this speech the idea must he accom- 
panied by the very distant murmurs of a big crowd 
ojf R; trumpets sound; you can almost hear the 
tramp of horses^ and men's feet, chariot wheels, etc. 



24 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods! 
When went there by an age, since the gresit flood, 
But it was fam'd with more than with one man? 
When could they say till now, that talk'd of 

Rome, 
That her wide walls encompass'd but one man? 
Now is it Rome indeed and room enough, 
When there is in it but one only man. 
O, you and I have heard our fathers say, 
There was a Brutus once that would have 

brook'd 
The eternal devil to keep his state in Rome 
As easily as a king. (Don't move; there are very 
distant murmurs here as if a crowd were breaking 
up; a distant flourish.) 
Bru} That you do love me, I am nothing 

jealous; 
What you would work me to, I have some aim: 
How I have thought of this and of these times, 
I shall recount hereafter; for this present, 
I would not, so with love I might entreat you. 
Be any further mov'd.^ What you have said 
I will consider; what you have to say 
I will with patience hear, and find a time 
Both meet to hear and answer such high things. 
25 



^Cassius is sarcastic; he expected his eloquence 
to call forth something equally eloquent from 
Brutus. 

"^Brutus and Cassius go down L conversing; the 
crowd gradually reassembles, not in the same order 
as before; boys and girls and then elders come on; 
the Soothsayer hobbles across from R to L U; then 
soldiers, then Antony leading Ccesar, with the 
women, very bright; then the senators and more 
crowd. Ccesar stops in the centre just as he is 
turning to go up L C steps; Cassius and Brutus 
salute him from L, which causes Ccesar to halt. 

^Antony did never love Cassius, but he is guarded 
in his remarks. 



26 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this: 
Brutus had rather be a villager 
Than to repute himself a son of Rome 
Under these hard conditions, as this time 
Is like to lay upon us. 

Cas} I am glad that my weak words 
Have struck but thus much show of fire from 
Brutus. {Distant murmurs of R.) 
Bru. The games are done and Casar is re- 
turning. 
Cas. As they pass by, pluck Casca by the 
sleeve ; 
And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you 
Wha^ hath proceeded worthy note to-day. 

Re-enter C^sar and his Train^ from R 

Cces. (C). Antonius! 

Ant. Cgesar? 

C(ss. Let me have men about me that are fat : 
Sleek-headed men and such as sleep o' nights: 
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; 
He thinks too much: such men are dangerous. 

Ant. Fear him not, Caesar; he's not danger- 
ous; 
He is a noble Roman and well given.* 
27 



^Ccesar looks over Antonys left shoulder at 
Cassius occasionally. Antony faces Ccesar. 

"^People are apt to sneer at Shakespeare's brief 
outline of Julius Ccesar, hut I think this speech 
alone defines the kind of man he was; it speaks 
volumes, and makes the character very prominent. 
It is astonishing how the interest of the play is 
maintained to the end, merely on the wonderful 
impression left on the mind of an audience, by the 
ever-present memory of Ccesar. 

^Ccesar turns in to Antony, who goes of on his 
right side up steps and off L; all cheer and follow; 
Casca crosses from R and is just going ojf when 
Cassius stops him. (On the Elizabethan stage the 
characters go through the L upper door, then pass 
behind the wall and are seen in single file passing 
the R upper door, which makes the crowd appear 
enormous; some of the crowd go ojf Li door, and 
join in at hack, all following off across to R behind 
wall?) 

"^As Casca goes up to follow Ccesar, Cassius 
plucks his toga; he stops looks at them and grunts. 



28 



JULIUS C^SAR 

CcBS.^ Would he were fatter ! But I fear him 

not: 
Yet if my name were liable to fear, 
I do not know the man I should avoid 
So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads 

much; 
He is a great observer, and he looks 
Quite through the deeds of men; he loves no 

plays, 
As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music; 
Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort 
As if he mock'd himself and scorn'd his spirit 
That could be mov'd to smile at any thing. 
Such men as he be never at heart's ease 
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, 
And therefore are they very dangerous. 
I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd 
Than what I fear; for always I am Caesar.^ 

{Antony salutes.) 
Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,^ 
And tell me truly what thou think'st of him. 
[Sennet. Exeunt Ccesar and all his Train, but 

Casca^ 
Casca (C). You puU'd me by the cloak ;^ 

would you speak with me? 
29 




CevscOk 



Ca.33iU3 



BrtJtuQ 



^Casca prepares to sit on stool up L C. 

"^During this speech Casca sits very casually; 
he is an older and fatter man than either of the 
others, so they just stand and listen. 



30 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Bru. (L). Ay, Casca; tell us what hath 
chanc'd to-day, 
That Csesar looks so sad. 

Casca. (L C) . Why, you were with him, were 
you not? 

Bru. (L). I should not then ask Casca what 
had chanc'd. 

Casca. Why, there was a crown offer'd him:^ 
and being offer'd him, he put it by with the 
back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell 
a-shouting. {Sits L C.) 

Bru. (L). "What was the second noise for? 

Casca. (LC). Why, for that too. 

Cas. (R C) . They shouted thrice : what was the 
last cry for? 

Casca. Why, for that too. 

Bru. Was the crown offer'd him thrice? 

Casca. Ay, marry, was 't, and he put it by 
thrice, every time gentler than other; and at 
every putting-by mine honest neighbours 
shouted. 

Cas. Who offer'd him the crown? 

Casca. Why, Antony. 

Bru. Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca. 

Casca. ^ I can as well be hang'd as tell the 
31 



^Cassius moves up to him here. 
^Casca is a bullet-headed, obstinate fellow and 
crafty withal; but you couldn't insult him. 



32 



JULIUS C^SAR 

manner of it: it was mere foolery; I did not 
mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown 
— yet 't was not a crown neither, 't was one of 
these coronets; and, as I told you, he put it 
by once: but, for all that, to my thinking, he 
would fain have had it. Then he offer'd it to 
him again; then he put it by again: but, to my 
thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off 
it. And then he offer'd it the third time; he 
put it the third time by: and still as he refus'd it; 
the rabblement shouted, and clapp'd their 
chopt hands, because Caesar refus'd the crown, 
that it had almost choked Csesar: for he 
swounded and fell down at it: and for mine own 
part, I durst not laugh, for fear of opening my 
lips and receiving the bad air. 

Cas. But, soft, I pray you: what, did Caesar 
swound? 

Casca. He fell down in the market-place, and 
foam'd at mouth, and was speechless. 

Bru. 'Tis very like: he hath the falling 
sickness. 

Cas.^ No, Caesar hath it not; but you and I 
and honest Casca; we have the falling sickness. 

Casca.^ I know not what you mean by that; 

33 



^Cassius knows Casca had no command of any 
language hut his own rough style. 



34 



JULIUS C^SAR 

but, I am sure, Caesar fell down. If the tag-rag 
people did not clap him and hiss him, according 
as he pleas'd and displeas'd them, as they use 
to do the players in the theatre, I am no true 
man. 

Bru. What said he when he came unto him- 
self. 

Casca. Marry, before he fell down, when he 
perceiv'd the common herd was glad he refus'd 
the crown, he pluck'd me ope his doublet and 
offer'd them his throat to cut. An I had been 
a man of any occupation, if I would not have 
taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell 
among the rogues. And so he fell. Three or 
four wenches, where I stood, cried "Alas, good 
soul!" and forgave him with all their hearts: but 
there's no heed to be taken of them; if Ceesar 
had stabb'd their mothers, they would have 
done no less. 

Bru. (L). And after that, he came, thus sad, 
away. 

Casca. (C). Ay. ('^^ A pause.) 

Cas. (R). Did Cicero say any thing? 

Casca. Ay; he spoke Greek. 

Cas.^ To what effect? 

35 



^Casca is so self-satisfied he doesn't even see a 
joke on himself; he is a very common type of man. 
- ^He rises. 

^Casca begins to go of up L; at each pause he 
moves of a little; then stops and grunts. 

^Ee goes of very slowly with a sort of familiar 
nod. 

^Brutus goes up, and looks after him. 

^At Brutus' exit a distant storm is rising. 
Thunder is best done, very carefully, on the big 
drum. If a good thunder sheet of tin or iron can 
be used, it helps a little, but the drum rumbled 
and then beaten, is best. Lightning is done best by 
an electric wire. Use as little of both kinds as 
possible. 



36 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Casca} Nay, an I tell you that, I'll ne'er look 
you i' th' face again: but those that understood 
him smil'd at one another and shook their heads; 
but, for mine own part, it was Greek to me.^ 
Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if 
I could remember it. 

Cas. (R C). Will you sup with me to-night, 
Casca? 

Casca. No, I am promis'd forth. 

Cas. Will you dine with me to-morrow? 

Casca} Ay, if I be alive — and your mind 
hold — and your dinner worth the eating. 

Cas. Good : I will expect you. 

Casca.^ Do so. — Farewell, — ^both. [Exit up Li 

Bru.^ What a blunt fellow is this grown to be ! 
He was quick metal when he went to school. 

Cas. So is he now in execution 
Of any bold or noble enterprise, 
However he puts on this tardy form. 

Bru. And so it is. For this time I will 
leave you. {Crosses to L) 
To-morrow, if you please to speak with me 
I will come home to you: or, if you will, 
Come home to me, and I will wait for you.^ 

[Exit Brutus, saluting down L 

37 



^He pauses; looks around. 

"^As Cassius exits thunder should he heard and 
continue during change of scene. If a scenery pro- 
duction, I should advise omitting the next scene; 
anyway it would he played as a front scene. If 
Elizabethan, the speech and action should he so 
rapid that it need not take more than a few minutes. 
The division of scenes is not Shakespeare's; that 
arrangement was made hy Nicholas Rowe a hundred 
years after. The scene is fine for an exhibition 
of oratory; otherwise the plot is not advanced from 
the previous interview with Brutus. 

^They stand under the canopy of the Elizabethan 
stage as if it were a pent-house to shelter from the 
rain. It is pouring. 



38 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Cas. {saluting — pauses; looks after Brutus). 
Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet, I see, 
Thy honourable metal may be wrought. 
From that it is disposed: therefore it is meet. 
That noble minds keep ever with their likes; 
For who so firm that cannot be seduc'd? 
Caesar doth bear me hard; but he loves Brutus: 
If I were Brutus now, and he were Cassius, 
He should not humour me.^ I will this night. 
In several hands, in at his windows throw, 
As if they came from several citizens. 
Writings all tending to the great opinion 
That Rome holds of his name; wherein obscurely 
Caesar's ambition shall be glanced at: 
And after this let Caesar seat him sure; 
For we will shake him, or worse days endure.^ 

[Exit up R2 

Scene III. The same. A street 

Thunder and lightning. Enter, from opposite 
sides, Casca, (R) with his sword drawn, and 
Cicero,^ (L). 

Cic. (L). Good even, Casca: brought you 
Caesar home? 

39 



JULIUS CESAR 

Why are you breathless? and why stare you so? 

Casca (R). Are not you mov'd, when all 
the sway of earth 
Shakes like a thing unfirm? O Cicero, 
I have seen tempests, when the scolding winds 
Have riv'd the knotty oaks, and I have seen 
The ambitious ocean swell and rage and foam, 
To be exalted with the threat'ning clouds: 
But never till to-night, never till now, 
Did I go through a tempest dropping fire. 
Either there is a civil strife in heaven, 
Or else the world, too saucy with the gods. 
Incenses them to send destruction. 

Cic. Why, saw you any thing more wonder- 
ful? 

Casca. A common slave — you know him 
well by sight — 
Held up his left hand, which did flame and burn 
Like twenty torches join'd, and yet his hand, 
Not sensible of fire, remain'd unscorched. 
And yesterday the bird of night did sit 
Even at noon-day upon the market-place. 
Hooting and shrieking. When these prodigies 
Do so conjointly meet, let not men say 
"These are their reasons; they are natural"; 
41 



^Cicero wraps himself in his toga and goes off 
R quickly. 

^Loud thunder. 



42 



JULIUS CJESAR 

For, I believe, they are portentous things 
Unto the climate that they point upon. 

Cic. Indeed, it is a strange-disposed time : 
But men may construe things after their fashion, 
Clean from the purpose of the things themselves. 
Comes Cassar to the Capitol to-morrow? 

Casca. He doth; for he did bid Antonius 
Send word to you he would be there to-morrow. 

Cic. Good night then, Casca: this disturbed 
sky {crosses over to R). 
Is not to walk in.^ 

Casca. Farewell, Cicero. [Exit Cicero R 

Enter Cassius Li 

Cas. (L). Who's there? 

Casca (R). A Roman. 

Cas. Casca, by your voice. 

Casca. Your ear is good. Cassius, what night 

is thisP 
Cas. A very pleasing night to honest men. 
Casca. Who ever knew the heavens menace 

so? 
Cas. Those that have known the earth so 

full of faults. 

43 



JULIUS C^SAR 

For my part, I have walk'd about the streets, 
Submitting me unto the perilous night, 
And, thus unbraced, Casca, as you see, 
Have bar'd my bosom to the thunder-stone. 

Casca. But wherefore did you so much tempt 
the heavens? 

Cas. You are dull, Casca, and those sparks 
of hf e 
That should be in a Roman you do want, 
Or else you use not. You look pale and gaze 
And put on fear and case yourself in wonder. 
To see the strange impatience of the heavens : 
Why, you shall find 

That heaven hath infus'd them with these spirits. 
To make them instruments of fear and warning 
Unto some monstrous state. 
Now could I, Casca, name to thee a man 
Most like this dreadful night. 
That thunders, Hghtens, opens graves, and roars 
As doth the lion in the Capitol, 
A man no mightier than thyself or me 
In personal action, yet prodigious grown 
And fearful, as these strange eruptions are. 

Casca. 'Tis Csesar that you mean; is it not, 
Cassius? 

45 



^Casca gets the first indication of the murder 
here; his dagger is a Roman sword. 



46 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Cas. Let it be who it is: for Romans now 
Have thews and limbs Uke to their ancestors; 
But, woe the while, our fathers' minds are dead, 
And we are govern'd with our mothers' spirits; 
Our yoke and sufferance show us womanish. 

Casca. Indeed, they say, the senators tOr 
morrow 
Mean to establish Cassar as a king; 
And he shall wear his crown by sea and land, 
In every place, save here in Italy. 

Cas} I know where I will wear this dagger 
then; 
Cassius from bondage will dehver Cassius: 

[Thunder still 

Casca. So every bondman in his own hand 
bears 
The power to cancel his captivity. 

Cas. And why should Csesar be a tyrant then 
Poor man! I know he would not be a wolf. 
But that he sees the Romans are but sheep- 
He were no lion, were not Romans hinds. 
Those that with haste will make a mighty fire 
Begin it with weak straws: what trash is Rome! 
What rubbish and what offal, when it serves 
For the base matter to illuminate 

47 



" ^Casca here touches him, or looks at Cassius with 
such wonder, as to make him pause in the ferocity 
oj his speech. 

^Casca is a match for Cassius even, and he is 
vulgar withal. 

^As they shake hands there should be a tremen- 
dous crash of thunder. It was one of the worst 
bargains ever made, and the heavens were angry I 

^Thunder more distant. 

^They get closer under the canopy. 



48 



JULIUS C^SAR 

So vile a thing as Caesar!^ But, grief, 
Where hast thou led me? I, perhaps, speak this 
Before a willing bondman; then I know 
My answer must be made. But I am arm'd, 
And dangers are to me indifferent. 

Casca.^ You speak to Casca, and to such a 
man 
That is no fleering tell-tale. Hold, my hand: 
Be factious for redress of all these griefs, 
And I will set this foot of mine as far 
As who goes farthest. 

Cas. There's a bargain made.^ 

Now know you, Casca, I have mov'd already, 
Some certain of the noblest-minded Romans 
To undergo with me an enterprise 
Of honourable-dangerous consequence; 
And I do know, by this, they stay for me 
In Pompey's porch: for now this fearful 

night,4 
There is no stir or walking in the streets^ 
And the complexion of the element 
Is favours, like the work we have in hand, 
Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible. 

Casca. Stand close awhile,^ for here comes 
one in haste. 

49 



^Ginna enters from R and hobbles across stage 
wrapped in his toga; they watch him from under 
the canopy {or if a scenery stage from just up 
stage) until he gets nearly across to L; then call to 
him. Cinna and the others wear hats or caps 
{Elizabethan) and have also their togas over their 
heads. 

^Cinna turns, goes up to them as if to make sure; 
they are all three, more or less, muffled. 

^Be sure Cassius has all the scrolls in an in- 
visible pocket under the toga. 



50 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Cas. 'Tis Cinna; I do know him by his gait; 
He is a friend. {Crosses to L C.) 

Enter Cinna from Ri^ 

Cinna, where haste you so? 
Cin. {L C). To find out you.^ Who's 

that? Metellus Cimber? 
Cas. (C). No, it is Casca; one incorporate 
To our attempts. Am I not stay'd for, Cinna? 
Cin. I am glad on 't. What a fearful night 
is this! {Distant thunder.) 
There's two or three of us have seen strange 
sights. 
Cas. Am I not stay'd for? tell me. 
Cin. {under canopy). Yes, you are. 
O Cassius, if you could 
But win the noble Brutus to our party — 
Cas. Be you content: good Cinna, take this 
paper, 
And look you lay it in the praetor's chair. 
Where Brutus may but find it; and throw this 
In at his window; set this up with wax^ 
Upon old Brutus' statue: all this done, 
Repair to Pompey's porch, where you shall find 
us. 

51 



^The dialogue is all quick and hushed, hut in- 
tense and full of meaning. 

^Slight thunder and lightning as scene closes 
until next scene begins. In changing scenes it is 
advisable to use a gong, deep toned if possible, 
and then to lower lights, gradually letting the light 
dissolve. The same plan for opening a scene; 
let the light gradually grow to whatever degree of 
light is needed. Don't have a white stage. 



52 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Is Decius Brutus and Trebonius there? 
Cin} All but Metellus Cimber; and he's 
gone 
To seek you at your house. Well, I will hie, 
And so bestow these papers as you bade me. 
Cas. That done, repair to Pompey's theatre. 

[Exit Cinna L 
Come, Casca, you and I will yet ere day 
See Brutus at his house: three parts of him 
Is ours already, and the man entire 
Upon the next encounter yields him ours. 
Casca. O, he sits high in all the people's 
hearts: 
And that which would appear offence in us. 
His countenance, like richest alchemy. 
Will change to virtue and to worthiness. 
Cas. Him and his worth and our great need 
of him 
You have right well conceited. Let us go. 
For it is after midnight; and ere day 
We will awake him and be sure of him. 

[Exeunt both of V" 



S3 



^Brutus' orchard should he a cloth with wall 
painted as if it surrounded the villa. The villa is 
R, either set or wings, or better still a back cloth with 
trees, with a '^cut^' cloth with archway to give the 
idea of an inner garden; villa R, seat C. ^ At 
opening of scene thunder rumbles and a little faint 
lightning. Brutus calls Lucius with soft voice, as if 
afraid of waking any one else. Lucius is sleepy 
and rubs his eyes. He is quite a small lad, about 
twelve or fourteen. 



54 



• ACT II 

Scene I. Rome. Brutus' orchard^ 

Enter Brutus as if from house R 

Bru. What, Lucius, ho! 
I cannot by the progress of the stars, 
Give guess how near to day. Lucius, I say! 
I would it were my fault to sleep so soundly. 
When, Lucius, when? awake, I say! what, 
Lucius! {Goes over to RC.) 

Enter Lucius R 

Luc. Call'd you, my lord? 

Bru. Get me a taper in my study, Lucius: 
When it is Hghted, come and caU me here. 

Luc. I will, my lord. [Exit R 

Bru. It must be by his death: and for my 
part, 
I know no personal cause to spurn at him, 

5§ 



^Brutus is restless during this speech. ^ 

^Sits. 

-^"Then lest he may'^rise and pause)" prevent "— 
this is said significantly as if Brutus had decided 
in his mind what should be done in case of Ccesar^s 
resistance. 




Lucius 



S6 



JULIUS C^SAR 

But for the general. He would be crown'd: 
How that might change his nature, there's the 

question. 
It is the bright day that brings forth the adder; 
And that craves wary walking. Crown him — 

that, — {hesitating) . . 

And then, I grant, we put a sting in him, 
That at his will he may do danger with.^ 
The abuse of greatness is, when it disjoins 
Remorse from power: and, to speak truth of 

Caesar, 
I have not known when his affections sway'd 
More than his reason.^ But 'tis a common 

proof, 
That lowHness is young ambition's ladder, 
Whereto the climber upward turns his face; 
But when he once attains the upmost round, 
He then unto the ladder turns his back. 
Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees 
By which he did ascend. So Caesar may. 
Then, lest he may — prevent.^ And, since the 

quarrel 
Will bear no colour for the thing he is, 
Fashion it thus; that what he is, augmented, 
Would run to these and these extremities: 
57 



^Lucius' entrance makes Brutus almost start. 
Brutus is almost unheedful till the boy takes him 
the paper. Lucius knows his master, watches 
him, and decides to give the paper. The little 
lad's character is beautifully drawn, like all the 
Shakespeare children. 

^Brutus pats the boy on the head. Lucius would 
stay with him, but reluctantly goes. As. he gets to 
door, Brutus speaks again. 

^Lucius yawns. 

^Brutus smiles. 

^The reading of the scroll is very important. 



s8 



JULIUS C^SAR 

And therefore think him as a serpent's egg 
Which, hatch'd, would, as his kind, grow mis- 
chievous, 
And kill him in the shell. {Goes a little L.) 

Re-enter Lucius B} 

Luc. The taper burneth in your closet, sir. 
Searching the window for a flint, I found 
This paper, thus seal'd up; and, I am sure, 
It did not lie there when I went to bed. 

[Gives him the letter 
Bru} Get you to bed again; it is not day. 
Is not to-morrow, boy, the first of March? 
LucJ^ I know not, sir. 
Bru.^ Look in the calendar, and bring me 

word. 
Luc. I will, sir. [Exit R. Lightning 

Bru. The exhalations whizzing in the air 
Give so much Hght that I may read by them. 

[Opens the letter and reads^ 

" Brutus, thou sleep'st: awake, and see thyself. 
Shall Rome, etc. Speak, strike, redress! 
Brutus, thou sleep'st: awake " 

Such instigations have been often dropp'd 
Wliere I have took them up. 
59 



^He puts up his hands as if in invocation of the 
Roman gods. 

^When Lucius re-enters he pauses a moment, 
watching his master, then says ''Sir" and waits 
for Brutus to attend. 

^The knocking is important, a deep thud once, 
as if on an iron gate. It is not so important as in 
" Macbeth," but the knock is significant. 

'^Pause — almost with a look of anticipated 
doom. Lucius goes up somewhat unwillingly. 
His boyish love is annoyed that his master should 
be disturbed, especially so early. 

^Make this important; nearly all Shakespeare's 
men who should be great, have troubled minds. 



60 



JULIUS C^SAR 

''Shall Rome, etc." Thus must I piece it out: 
Shall Rome stand under one man's awe? What, 

Rome? 
My ancestors did from the streets of Rome 
The Tarquin drive, when he was call'd a king, 
"Speak, strike, redress!" Am I entreated 
To speak and strike? Rome,^ I make thee 

promise : 
If the redress will follow, thou receivest 
Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus! 

Re-enter Lucius^ 

Luc. Sir, March is wasted fifteen days. 

[Knocking within,^ up stage R 

Bru. 'Tis good.^ — Go to the gate — some- 
body knocks. [Exit Lucius 
Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar, 
I have not slept.^ (Goes over to L.) 
Between the acting of a dreadful thing 
And the first motion, all the interim is 
Like a phantasma, or a hideous dream: 
The Genius and the mortal instruments 
Are then in council; and the state of man, 
Like to a little kingdom, suffers then 
The nature of an insurrection. 

6i 



'^Lucius calls again, "Sir" and waits till Brutus 
attends. 

^Lucius does not like this intrusion. 

^He gets suspicious too, and evidently he has tried 
hard to identify them. 



63 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Re-enter Lucius from up R 

Luc} Sir, — 'tis your brother Cassius at the 
door, 
Who doth desire to see you. 

Bru. Is he alone? 

Luc.^ No, sir, there are more with him. 
Bru. Do you know them? 

Luc. No, sir; — their hats are pluck'd about 
their ears,^ 
And half their faces buried in their cloaks, 
That by no means I may discover them 
By any mark of favour. 

Bru Let them enter. [Exit Lucius up R 
They are the faction. O conspiracy, 
Sham'st thou to show thy dang'rous brow by 

night, 
When evils are most free? O, then by day 
Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough 
To mask thy monstrous visage? Seek none, 

conspiracy; 
Hide it in smiles and affability: 
For if thou path thy native semblance on, 
Not Erebus itself were dim enough 
To hide thee from prevention. (Crosses to L C.) 
63 



"^The conspirators stay up R except Cassius, 
who comes C. 

^Each man salutes, with the right hand, then goes 
down to R and R C as he speaks. 

^Cassius draws Brutus well over to L. 




Brutus Cnnbep Ti-tboniua 
■u.c 



64 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Enter the conspirators,^ Cassius, Casca, Decius, 
CiNNA, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius 

Cas. (R C). I think we are too bold upon 
your rest: 
Good morrow, Brutus; do we trouble you? 
Bru. {L C). I have been up this hour, awake 
all night. 
Know I these men that come along with you? 
Cas. Yes, every man of them, and no man 
here 
But honours you; and every one doth wish 
You had but that opinion of yourself 
Which every noble Roman bears of you. 
This is Trebonius.^ 
Bru. (L C). He is welcome hither. 

Cas. (C). This, Decius Brutus. 
Bru. {L C). He is welcome too. 

Cas. (C). This, Casca; this, Cinna; and this, 

Metellus Cimber. 
Bru. (L C). They are all welcome. 
What watchful cares do interpose themselves 
Betwixt your eyes and night? 
Cas. Shall I entreat a word?' 
[Brutus and Cassius whisper going up stage. 
6s 



^Cinna, Casca, and Decius are arguing down R, 
pointing in front of them to the sky. 

^Brutus crosses to C, Cassius to L C. Brutus 
takes each man's hand quickly; first Casca, who 
goes down R; then Metellus, who crosses over to L; 
then Trebonius, who goes R; then Cinna, who 
hobbles over to L; then Decius, who stays R C. 

^It is difficult to cut this speech, but the play will 
get very long. 



66 



JULIUS CiESAR 

Dec. (R). Here lies the east: doth not the 
day break here? 

Casca. (R). No. 

Cin. (R). ^O, pardon, sir, it doth; and yon 
gray lines 
That fret the clouds are messengers of day. 

Casca. (R). You shall confess that you are 
both deceived. 
Here, as I point my sword, the sun arises, 
Which is a great way growing on the south, 
Weighing the youthful season of the year. 

Bru . Give me your hands all over, one by one . ^ 

Cas. And let us swear our resolution. 

Bru. No, not an oath : if not the face of men,^ 
The sufferance of our souls, the time's abuse — 
If these be motives weak, break off betimes, 
And every man hence to his idle bed; 
So let high-sighted tyranny range on, 
Till each man drop by lottery. But if these, 
As I am sure they do, bear fire enough 
To kindle cowards and to steel with valour 
The melting spirits of women; then, countrymen, 
What need we any spur but our own cause, 
To prick us to redress? What other bond 
Than honesty to honesty engag'd. 
67 



^The conspirators gather round here and speak, 
as if in the dead of night. Casca is the only one 
who seems uninterested. 

^There seems a strong undercurrent of conspiracy 
in Decius. 



68 



JULIUS CiESAR 

When every drop of blood^ 

That every Roman bears, and nobly bears, 

Is guilty of a several bastardy, 

If he do break the smallest particle 

Of any promise that hath pass'd from him. 

Cas. But what of Cicero? shall we sound him? 
I think he will stand very strong with us. 

Casca. Let us not leave him out. 

^^^' No, by no means. 

Met. O, let us have him, for his silver hairs 
Will purchase us a good opinion 
And buy men's voices to commend our deeds: 
It shall be said, his judgment rul'd our hands; 
Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear, 
But all be buried in his gravity. 

Bru. O, name him not: let us not break with 
him; 
For he will never follow any thing 
That other men begin. 

Cas. Then leave him out. 

Casca. (R). Indeed he is not fit. 

Dec. (i?).* Shall no man else be touch'd but 
only Ctesar? 

Cas. (R C). Decius, well urg'd: I think it is 
not meet 

69 



^At mention of Antony all go around. 

^Conspirators are differently disposed toward 
Antony, hut more of them disliked him as vacillat- 
ing. He was undoubtedly a politician to the back- 
bone. Shakespeare in this play only makes An- 
tony serious on one point; he did love Casar — 
genuinely; on almost all other points he was a 
humbug. 

This is a pretty good summing up of Antonyms 
character all through his career. 



78 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Mark Antony/ so well belov'd of Csesar, 
Should outliv^ Cassar: we shall find of him 
A shrewd contriver; and, you know, his means, 
If he improve them, may well stretch so far 
As to annoy us all: which to prevent. 
Let Antony and Csesar fall together. 
Bru. {L C). Our course will seem too bloody, 
Caius Cassius,^ 
To cut the head off and then hack the Hmbs, 
Like wrath in death and envy afterward; 
For Antony is but a limb of Csesar: 
Let's be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius. 
We all stand up against the spirit of Ccesar; 
And in the spirit of men there is no blood: 
O, that we then could come by Caesar's spirit. 
And not dismember Caesar! But, alas, 
Csesar must bleed for it! And, gentle friends, 
Let's kill him boldly, but not wrathfully; 
Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods, 
Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds: 
And let our hearts, as subtle masters do. 
Stir up their servants to an act of rage. 
And after seem to chide 'em. This shall make 
Our purpose necessary and not envious: 
Which so appearing to the common eyes, 
71 



^This clock strike is important; they should be 
low, slow beats on a well-toned tube; no one must 
speak or move till the third beat is well over. 

^Cassius and the others all go up to R, some 
crossing stage, putting their togas over heads. 



72 



JULIUS C^SAR 

We shall be call'd purgers, not murderers. 
And for Mark Antony, think not of him; 
For he can do no more than Caesar's arm 
When Caesar's head is off. 

Cas. (R C). Yet I fear him; 

For in the ingrafted love he bears to Csesar — 

Bru. (L C). Alas, good Cassius, do not 
think of him: 
If he love Caesar, all that he can do 
Is to himself, take thought and die for Caesar: 
And that were much he should; for he is given 
To sports, to wildness and much company. 

Treb. There is no fear in him ; let him not die ; 
For he will Uve, and laugh at this hereafter. 

[Clock strikes^ 

Bru. Peace! count the clock. 

Cas. The clock hath stricken three. 

Treb. 'Tis time to part. 

Cas.^ But it is doubtful yet, 

Whether Caesar will come forth to-day, or no; 
For he is superstitious grown of late, 
Quite from the main opinion he held once 
Of fantasy, of dreams and ceremonies: 

Dec. Never fear that: if he. be so resolved, 
I can o'ersway him; 

73 



^Brutus is moving up, to see them of his 
premises. 

^Metellus Cimber — young and sinister looking — 
stops and calls attention to the omission of Caius 
Ligarius; all stop and listen as he passes his re- 
mark around. 



74 



JULIUS CJESAR 

Let me work; 

For I can give his humoui the true bent, 

And I will bring him to the Capitol. 

Cas. Nay, we will all of us be there to fetch 

him. 
Bru. By the eighth hour: is that the utter- 
most?^ 
Cin. Be that the uttermost, and fail not then. 
Met. (R).^ Caius Lio-arius — doth bear Caesar 
hard. 
Who rated him for speaking well of Pompey: 
I wonder none of you have thought of him. 
Bru. {L). Now, good Metellus, go along by 
him: 
He loves me well, and I have given him reasons; 
Send him but thither, and I'll fashion him. 
Cas. The morning comes upon 's: we'll leave 
you, Brutus. 
And, friends, disperse yourselves; but all re- 
member 
What you have said, and show yourselves true 
Romans. 
Bru. Good gentlemen, look fresh and mer- 
rily; 
Let not our looks put on our purposes, 

75 



^They all salute as they go out, quietly murmur- 
ing conversation. Brutus closes the gate, pauses, 
then comes down, goes to house, looks in and 
quietly calls. He speaks all this meditation very 
softly. His nature is really fine, only his public 
life is uncertain. His calling has roused Portia, 
who enters with head covered, and a big mantle 
or wrap. It is a cold damp morning. 

^Brutus is startled, confused, and partly afraid, 
and during the next speech it is pretty clear that 
the discerning woman's nature has half-detected 
the plot. 

^He leads her to seat C. 

^She sits; he stands or sits by her if the seat is 
large enough. It should be a stone seat. 

^It is unnecessary to remind you that this is 
Gate's daughter. It is remarkable how the small 




JULIUS C^SAR 

But bear it as our Roman actors do, 
With untir'd spirits and formal constancy: 
And so good morrow to you every one. 

[Exeunt all but Brutus^ 
Boy! Lucius! Fast asleep? It is no matter; 
Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber: 
Thou hast no figures nor no fantasies, 
Which busy care draws in the brains of men: 
Therefore thou sleep'st so sound. 

Enter Portia from R 

For. (R). Brutus, my lord! 

Bru.^ Portia, what mean you? wherefore rise 
you now? 
It is not for your health thus to commit 
Your weak condition in the raw cold morning.^ 
Por.^ Nor for yours neither.^ You've un- 
gently, Brutus, 
Stole from my bed: and yesternight, at supper, 
You suddenly arose, and walk'd about, 
Musing and sighing, with your arms across, 
And when I ask'd you what the matter was. 
You stared upon me with ungentle looks; 
I urg'd you further; then you scratch'd your 
head, 

77 



feminine interest oj this drama dominates the 
underplot of the tragedy, because the two women 
are so noble. 

^This is a fib. 

^What a kindly rebuke. 

^Brutus rises; he cannot stand cross-questioning; 
conspirators rarely can. 



78 



JULIUS C^SAR 

And too impatiently stamp'd with your foot; 
Yet I insisted; yet you answer'd not, 
But, with an angry wafture of your hand, 
Gave sign for me to leave you : so I did; 
Fearing to strengthen that impatience 
Which seem'd too much enkindled, and withal 
Hoping it was but an effect of humour. 
Which sometime hath his hour with every man. 
It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep. 
And could it work so much upon your shape 
As it hath much prevail'd on your condition, 
I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord. 
Make me acquainted with your cause of grief. 

Bru.^ I am not well in health, and that is 
all. 

Por.^ Brutus is wise, and, were he not in 
health, 
He would embrace the means to come by it. 

Bru.^ Why, so I do. Good Portia, go to bed. 

Por. Is Brutus sick? and is it physical 
To walk unbraced and suck up the humours 
Of the dank morning? What, is Brutus sick. 
And will he steal out of his wholesome bed, 
To dare the vile contagion of the night 
And tempt the rheumy and unpurged air 

79 



^Brutus naturally turns away confused to R C; 
Portia rises and follows him. 

^She kneels: Brums would prevent her hut she 
persists. 

^This strikes home. Brutus starts as if it were 
impossible that the conference were overheard. 

^He tries hard to lift her from her knees. 

^It is possible this word was '^ kneel," but she rises 
and almost exhausted sits again on bench; Brutus 
tries to soothe her. 

^These two great people adored each other. 
Brutus, no longer able to resist the appeal of such a 
noble woman, takes her lovingly and with a 
great outburst to his heart. 

Note. — The neglect of Shakespeare by the women 
of to-day has often occurred to me as pitiful: 
No man since the Evangelist has so exalted woman 
and placed her right in the world's affairs, public 
and domestic, as this great Dramatist. 



80 



JULIUS C^SAR 

To add unto his sickness?^ No, my Brutus; 
You have some sick offence within your mind, 
Which, by the right and virtue of my place, 
I ought to know of; and, upon my knees,^ 
I charm you, by my once-commended beauty, 
By all your vows of love and that great vow 
Which did incorporate and make us one. 
That you unfold to me, yourself, your half. 
Why you are heavy, and what men to-night 
Have had resort to you:^ for here have been 
Some six or seven, who did hide their faces 
Even from darkness. 
Bru. Kneel not, gentle Portia.* 

For. I should not need,^ if you were gentle 
Brutus. 
Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus, 
Is it excepted I should know no secrets 
That appertain to you? Am I yourself 
But, as it were, in sort or limitation. 
To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed, 
And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in the 

suburbs 
Of your good pleasure? If it be no more, 
Portia is Brutus' harlot, not his wife. 

Bru.^ You are my true and honourable wife. 

8i 



'^She remains in his embrace all through this 
speech. 

Note. — In men's colleges these two women, 
Calpurnia and Portia, should never he omitted, as 
I understand is the case in some institutions. 

^Be very careful; the knocks — like those in 
"Macbeth'^ — come exactly at the right moment. 
Brutus should kiss Portia, say, counting six; then 
the knock. They must not separate quickly or 
the audience, wrought up to emotion by the scene, 
will laugh. The kiss is on the forehead. _ 

Note. — One must always remember, in such sit-, 
nations, that about three quarters of an audience are 
inclined to be too critical; — often hysterical; and 
unfortunately, often very stupid. It is the part of 
the actors to endeavour to make them live down this 
feeling. 

'^Lucius has now dressed and comes to the door; 
just before Portia goes R he stands aside to let her 
pass in R. Brutus waits for Lucius to open the 
gate, going up L to recover himself ; Lucius , boy- 
like, is unwilling to admit the sick man, but he 
does so when Brutus observes who his visitor is. 



82 



JULIUS C^SAR 

As dear to me as are the ruddy drops 
That visit my sad heart. 

Por.^ If this were true, then should I know 
this secret. 
I grant I am a woman; but withal 
A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife: 
I grant I am a woman; but withal 
A woman well-reputed, Cato's daughter. 
Think you I am no stronger than my sex, 
Being so father'd and so husbanded? 
Tell me your counsels, I will not disclose ^em: 
I have made strong proof of my constancy, 
Giving myself a voluntary wound 
Here, in the thigh: can I bear that with patience, 
And not my husband's secrets? 

Bru. O ye gods. 

Render me worthy of this noble wife! 

[Knocking within^ 
Hark, hark! one knocks: Portia, go in awhile; 
And by and by thy bosom shall partake 
The secrets of my heart. 
All my engagements I will construe to thee. 
All the charactery of my sad brows: 
Leave me with haste. {Exit Portia R.) Lucius,' 
who's that knocks? 
83 



^Ligarius is a very feeble man, with a white 
bandage close around his head; he leans on a staff 

^Brutus tries to seat Ligarius, but by an effort 
of will he remains standing, leaning on Brutus. 

^Here he throws down his staff toward footlights , 
and then clings to Brutus. Always be careful not to 
let a staff or sword rebound; throw it from you flat 
on to the ground. 

^Brutus very intense, having deceived his wife; 
the spirit of conspiracy is strong in him. 



84 



JULIUS CiESAR 

Re-enter Lucius with Ligarius 
Luc. {Up K). Here is a sick man that would 

speak with you. 
Bru. Caius Ligarius, that Metellus spake of. 
Boy, stand aside. Caius Ligarius! how? 
Lig .(R)} Vouchsafe good morrow from a 

feeble tongue. 
Bru. (L C).^ O, what a time have you chose 
out, brave Caius, 
To wear a kerchief! Would you were not sick! 
Lig. (C). I am not sick, if Brutus have in 
hand 
Any exploit worthy the name of honour. 
Bru. {L C). Such an exploit have I in hand, 
Ligarius, 
Had you a healthful ear to hear of it. 

Lig. By all the gods that Romans bow before, 
I here discard my sickness!^ Soul of Rome! 
Brave son, deriv'd from honourable loins! 
Thou, like an exorcist, hast conjur'd up 
My mortified spirit. Now bid me run, 
And I will strive with things impossible; 
Yea, get the better of them. What's to do? 
Bru.'^ A piece of work that will make sick 
men whole. 

8s 



^Ligarius has got this from Cimber. 

^A tremendous energy here. 

^Brutus picks up the staff and gives it to him; 
he then crosses to house R as if to look for Portia; 
hesitates a moment, then meets Ligarius R C, and 
they go up together; Lucius regretfully goes into 
house. 

Thunder at change of scene. 

The scene should be a pillared corridor, very 
simple; two ornamental but easily carried stools 
should be placed L C by two attendants in Roman 
dress. The same in Elizabethan manner, except 
that Brutus^ seat must be removed before the stools 
are placed, the change of furniture indicating 
a change of locality. 



85 



JULIUS C/ESAR 

Lig.^ But are not some whole that we must 
make sick? 

Bru. That must we also. What it is, my 
Caius, 
I shall unfold to thee, as we are going 
To whom it must be done. [Thunder, distantly 

Lig} Set on your foot, 

And with a heart new-fir'd I follow you, 
To do I know not what: but it sufficeth 
That Brutus leads me on. 

Bru.^ Follow me, then. [Exeunt up R 

Scene II. Cesar's house 

Thunder and lightning. Enter C^sar (R) in his 
nightgown (the nightgown is an over-robe) 

Cas. Nor heaven nor earth have been at 
peace to-night: 
Thrice hath Calpurnia in her sleep cried out, 
"Help! ho! they murther Csesar!" Who's with- 
in? {Crosses to L C.) 

Enter a Servant R 

Serv. (R). My lord? 
87 



'^The servant turns and sees Calpurnia and 
stands aside to let her pass. 

^Ccesar puts Calpurnia round to the stool C to 
Z, then sits himself on the stool C to R. 

Note. — Always avoid two persons sitting down 
together at the same moment. 



JULIUS C^.SAR 

C(ES. Go bid the priests do present sacrifice; 
And bring me their opinions of success. 
Serv. I will, my lord.^ ]ExU R 

Enter Calpurnia R 

Cat. (R). What mean you, Csesar? think 
you to walk forth? 
You shall not stir out of your house to-day. 

(Crosses to RC). 
Cces. (Crosses to C). Caesar shall forth: the 
things that threaten'd me 
Ne'er look'd but on my back; when they shall 

see 
The face of Caesar,^ they are vanished. 

Cal. (Sits). Cassar, I never stood on cere- 
monies, 
Yet now they fright me. Theie is one within, 
Besides the things that we have heard and seen, 
Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch. 
A lioness hath whelped in the streets; 
And graves have yawn'd, and yielded up their 

dead; 
The noise of battle hurtled in the air. 
Horses did neigh, and d3dng men did groan, 



^Puts her hands on him. 

^Ccssar appeals to the gods with right hand. 



90 



JXJLIUS C^SAR 

And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the 

streets. {Casar sits) 
O Csesar!^ these things are beyond all use, 
And I do fear them 

Goes. What can he avoided 

Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods?^ 
Yet Caesar shall go forth; for these predictions 
Are to the world in general as to Caesar. 

Cal. When beggars die, there are no comets 
seen; 
The heaA^ens themselves blaze forth the death of 
princes, 
CcBS. Cowards die many times hejdre their 
deaths; 
The vahant never taste of death but once. 
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, 
It seems to me most strange that men should fear; 
Seeing that death, a necessary end, 
Will come when it will come. 

Re-enter Servant R 

What say the augurers? 
Serv. They would not have you to stir forth 
to-day: 
Plucking the entrails of an offering forth. 
They could not find a heart within the beast. 
91 



^CcBsar has no fear of superstition. It is better 
for CcBsar and his wife to remain seated during this 
scene; it is their own house and gives the idea of 
kingship to themselves. 

^Calpurnia kneels as Portia has knelt {and as 
prodahly Pilate's wife knelt) . Had they ultimately 
prevailed, the tide of the world had been changed, and 
the second worst crime in history probably averted. 

^Ccesar raises her; then caresses her. Decius 
probably notices the caress and tries to work upon 
it presently. What a master of stage art and 
human artifice our Dramatist is. 

^Decius' salute is meant for both. 



92 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Ccss.^ The gods do this in shame of cow- 
ardice : 
Caesar should be a beast without a heart, 
If he should stay at home to-day for fear. 
No, Ceesar shall not: danger knows full well 
That Caesar is more dangerous than he: 
We are two Hons htter'd in one day, 
And I the elder and more terrible: 
And Caesar shall go forth. [Servant goes off R 

Cat. (rises). Alas, my lord, 

Your wisdom is consum'd in confidence. 
Do not go forth to-day: call it my fear 
That keeps you in the house, and not your own. 
We'll send Mark Antony to the senate-house; 
And he shall say you are not well to-day: 
Let me, upon my knee,^ prevail in this. 

CcBs.^ Mark Antony shall say I am not well; 
And, for thy humour, I will stay at home. 

Enter Decius R 

Here's Decius Brutus, he shall tell them so. 
Dec. (R). Caesar, all hail! good morrow, 
worthy Caesar.^ 
I come to fetch you to the senate-house. 

93 



Wecius approaches nearer to R C. 
^Ccesar is very sure of himself here; Calpurnia 
is pleased. 

Wecius a little closer. 
^Ccesar is humorous. 



94 



JULIUS CyESAR 

CcBS. And you are come in very happy time, 

[Ccesar sits 
To bear my greetings to the senators 
And tell them that I will not come to-day: 

[Calpurnia remains L C 
Cannot is false, and that I dare not, falser: 
I will not come to-day: tell them so, Decius. 

Cal. Say he is sick. She sits again 

Cess. Shall Csesar send a lie? 

Have I in conquest stretch'd mine arm so far, 
To be afeard to tell graybeards the truth? 
Decius, go tell them, Caesar will not come. 

Dec} (R). Most mighty Caesar, let me know 
some cause, 
Lest I be laugh'd at when I tell them so. 

CcBs.^ The cause is in my will: I will not 
come; 
That is enough to satisfy the senate. 
But for your private satisfaction, 
Because I love you,' I will let you know: 
Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home: 
She dreamt to-night she saw my statue,^ 
Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts. 
Did run pure blood; and many lusty Romans 
Came smiUng, and did bathe their hands in it: 

95 



^Decius is almost amused and takes this speech 
lightly. 

^He almost waits to see the e^ect! 



96 



JULIUS C^SAR 

And these does she apply for warnings, and 

portents, 
And evils imminent; and on her knee 
Hath begg'd that I will stay at home to-day. 

Dec} This dream is all amiss interpreted; 
It was a vision fair and fortunate: 
Your statue spouting blood in many pipes, 
In which so many smiling Romans bath'd, 
Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck 
Reviving blood, and that great men shall press 
For tinctures, stains, relics and cognizance. 
This by Calpurnia's dream is signified.^ 

C(BS. And this way have you well ex- 
pounded it. 

Dec. I have. When you have heard what 
I can say: 
And know it now, the senate have concluded 
To give this day a crown to mighty Ceesar.^ 
If you shall send them word you will not come, 
Their minds may change. Besides it were a 

mock; 
Apt to be rendered, for some one to say, 
Break up the senate, till another time. 
When Caesar's wife shall meet with better 
dreams. 

97 



JULIUS CiESAR 

Pardon me Caesar; for my dear, dear love 
To your proceeding bids me tell you this, 
And reason to your love is liable. 

C(BS. How foolish do your fears seem now, 
Calpurnia. 
I am ashamed I did yield to them. 
Give me my robe — for I will go. 

{The servant puts on his purple robe.) 

Then enter Publius, then Brutus, Casca, 
LiGARius, CiNNA, Metellus, Trebonius, all 
from R. 

And look where Publius is come to fetch me. 
Pub. Good morrow Caesar. {Salutes him.) 
Cces. Welcome Publius — {Salutes him) 
What, Brutus, are you stirred so early too! 
Good morrow Casca: Caius Ligarius, Cassar 

was ne'er so much your enemy 
As that same ague which hath made you 

lean. 
What is 't o'clock? 
Bru. Caesar 'tis strucken eight. 
Cces. I thank you for your pains and 
courtesies 
{All salute again. The senators remain R.) 

99 



^Antony hastens to Ccesar at R C; he salutes 
CcBsar very openly, which makes the other senators 
notice it. 

^Calptirnia makes quite a queenly exit, going 
between the senators, who stand in single file; she 
bows right and left to them as she exits; another 
cause of annoyance. Great men, especially poli- 
ticians, often have very small minds. Ccesar almost 
waves these salutations to the various senators; 
then is deeply engrossed in conversation with An- 
tony, who is rather amused at the situation. He 
goes across on Antonyms arm and bows much in 
the same manner that Calpurnia did. The dis- 
inclination of senators to treat a ruler with respect 
— fearing he might assume dictatorship — exists 
even to-day in some countries. 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Enter Antony from R quickly: 

See! Antony, that revels long o'nights, 
Is notwithstanding up. Good morrow, Antony. 
Ant} So to most noble Csesar. 
CcBS. Bid them prepare within: 

[Exit Calpurnia^ across and of R 
I am to blame to be thus waited for. 
Now, Cinna: now, Metellus: what, Trebonius! 
I have an hour's talk in store for you; 
Remember that you call on me to-day: 
Be near me, that I may remember you, 

Treb. {Extreme R) . Caesar, I will: [^^i^^e] and 
so near will I be, 
That your best friends shall wish I had been 
further. 
C(£s. Good friends, go in, and taste some 
wine with me; 
And we, like friends, will straightway go to- 
gether. 

[Exeunt R, senators following. 
Bru. [Aside ^ That every like is not the 
same, O Cassar, 
The heart of Brutus yearns to think upon! 
[They exeunt, talking R, Brutus slowly following. 



The scene would he the same street as used before. 

Special Note. — // a scenic performance the 
next scenes had better be omitted; they are valuable, 
hut only as showing the watchful love of Portia 
and Lucius. Artemidorus has one of the scrolls 
similar to Cassius'. He has possibly watched 
his conspiracy. The incident is useful as showing 
the counter conspiracy of the factions. 

^Poor little Lucius wants to run off L, hut seeing 
a great crowd assembled off in that direction he is 
uncertain if he should leave Portia. 

The distant crowds are assembling off L; you 
can just hear them. Be careful to make these 
distant crowds effective. 



JULIUS CESAR 

Scene III. A street near the Capital 

Enter Artemidorus, reading a paper, from R, 
crosses to L 

Art. Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius; 
come not near Casca; have an eye to Cinna; trust not 
Trebonius; mark well Metellus Cimber: Decius Brutus 
loves thee not: thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius. There 
is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against 
Caesar. If thou beest not immortal, look about you; 
security gives way to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend 
thee! Thy lover, Artemidorus. 

Here will I stand till Caesar pass along, 
And as a suitor will I give him this. 
My heart laments that virtue cannot live 
Out of the teeth of emulation. 
If you read this, O Cassar, thou mayst live; 
If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive. 

[Exit L 

Scene IV. Another part of the same street, before 
the house of Brutus. No change necessary. 

Enter Portia 2 and Lucius i , from R, cross toRC 

For. (R). I prithee, boy, run to the senate- 
house;* 

103 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone: 
Why dost thou stay? 
Luc. {R C). To know my errand, madam. 
For. I would have had thee there, and here 
again, 
Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there. 

[Lucius goes over to L 

constancy, be strong upon my side. 

Set a huge mountain 'tween my heart and 
tongue ! 

1 have a man's mind, but a woman's might. 
How hard it is for women to keep counsel! 
Art thou here yet? 

Luc. (Crosses toLC). Madam, what should 
I do? 
Run to the Capitol, and nothing else? 
And so return to you, and nothing else? 

For. Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord 
look well. 
For he went sickly forth: and take good note 
WTiat Csesar doth, what suitors press to 

him. 
Hark, boy! what noise is that? 
Luc. I hear none, madam. (Crosses to L.) 
For. (R C). Prithee, Usten well; 



JULIUS C^SAR 

I heard a bustling rumour, like a fray, 
And the wind brings it from the Capitol. 

[Lucius crosses to Portia 
Luc. Sooth, madam, I hear nothing. 

Enter the Soothsayer R 

For. (C). Come hither, fellow: which way 

hast thou been? 
Sooth. (R). At mine own house, good lady. 
For. What is 't o'clock? 
Sooth. (R). About the ninth hour, lady. 

For. (C). Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol? 
Sooth. (R). Madam, not yet: I go to take 

my stand. 
To see him pass on to the Capitol. 
For. Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast 

thou not? 
Sooth. That I have, lady: if it will please 

Caesar 
To be so good to Caesar as to hear me, 
I shall beseech him to befriend himself. 
For. Why, know'st thou any harm's intended 

toward him? 
Sooth. None that I know will be, much that 

I fear may chance. 
107 



^The soothsayer is an old bent man, hobbling 
along on a staff. He crosses to L as he speaks. 

^Lucius kisses her hand and goes off quickly L, 
glad to do such a service. 

^There should be an interval here. 



io8 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Good morrow to you . Here the street is narrow : 
The throng that follows Caesar at the heels, 
Of senators, of praetors, common suitors. 
Will crowd a feeble man^ almost to death: 
I'll get me to a place more void, and there 
Speak to great Caesar as he comes along. 

[Exit L 

For. I must go in. (Crosses to R C). Ay 

me, how weak a thing 

The heart of woman is! Brutus, 

The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise! 

[Lucius goes near her and takes her hand 

[To herself?^ Sure, the boy heard me:^ [To 

Lucius] Brutus hath a suit 
That Ccesar will not grant. O, I grow faint! 

[Crosses to R 
Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord; 
Say I am merry: come to me again, 
And bring me word what he doth say to thee.^ 
[Exeuitt severally, Portia R, Lucius L 



log 



The opening of this scene should he one of the 
most picturesque in Shakespeare; of any play in 
fact. It is the prologue to a great historical deed, 
one of the world's epochs. A s Ccesar goes up he sees 
the Soothsayer, who is L, and rather jokingly calls 
out to him. 

Crowds of people have assembled and are seated 
and standing all over the stage, men, women, 
children, of all ranks. Artemidorus is R, the 
Soothsayer is L. A good strong sunlight. Almost 
at opening a flourish of trumpets. Ccesar and the 
senators enter, as if direct from the previous scene; 
from R, the crowd cheers, gets in the way, is mar- 
shalled hy soldiers; a way is made for Ccesar, 
Lepidus, and Antony {one on each side of him); 
they go up to the centre, where CcBsar sits in the C, 
raised; a statue of Pompey is near, possibly behind 
his chair. 



ACT III 

Scene I 

A crowd oj people; among them Artemidorus and 
the Soothsayer. Flourish. Enter C^sar, 
Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Decius, Metellus, 
Trebonius, Cinna, Antony, Lepidus, Po- 
piLius, PuBLnjSj..aw^ others. 

Cces. [To the Soothsayer.] The ides of March 

are come. 
Sooth. {L). Ay, Caesar; but not gone. 
Art. {R). Hail, Cassar! read this schedule. 
Dec. (R) . Trebonius doth desire you to o'er- 

read. 
At your best leisure, this his humble suit. 
Art. (R) . O Cassar, read mine first ; for mine's 

a suit 
That touches Caesar nearer : read it, great Caesar. 
CcBS. (C). What touches us ourself shall be 

last serv'd. 



^Popilius comes from L and walks up near 
Brutus and Cassius. 

^All these speeches are spoken -with haste and 
intensity in an undertone. Ccesar is fully occupied 
talking with Decius, Lepidus, Popilius, and 
Puhlius. Antony keeps R, so that Trebonius can 
easily persuade him to go of R in consultation, 
about some official matter. 




112 



JULIUS CiESAR 

Art. (R). Delaynot, Caesar; read it instantly. 
Cces. (C). What, is the fellow mad? 
Pub. {Up R). Sirrah, give place. 

Pop. (L). I wish your enterprise to-day may 

thrive. 
Cas. (L). What enterprise, Popilius? 
Pop. (L). Fare you well. [Advances to Cmsar 
Bru. What said Popilius Lena? 
Cas. (L). He wish'd to-day our enterprise 
might thrive. 
I fear our purpose is discovered. 
Bru. (L). Look, how he makes to Cassar: 

mark him.^ 
Cas.^ (L). Casca, be sudden, for we fear 
prevention. 
Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known, 
Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back, 
For I will slay myself. 

Bru. (L). Cassius, be constant: 

PopiHus Lena speaks not of our purposes; 
For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change. 
Cas. Trebonius knows his time; for, look 
you, Brutus, 
He draws Mark Antony out of the way. 

[Exetmt Antony and Trebonius Ri 
113 



^When Ccesar speaks there is an instant hush; 
all are silent. 

^Metellus rises from his seat R and goes forward, 
kneeling. 

^Ccesar protests. 



114 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Dec. Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him 

go, 
And presently prefer his suit to Caesar. 
Bru. He is address'd: press near and second 

him. 
Cin. Casca, you are the first that rears your 

hand. 
Casca. Are we all ready? 
C(Bs.^ What is now amiss 

That Caesar and his senate must redress? 
Met.^ {R.) Most high, most mighty, and 
most puissant C^sar, 
Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat 
An humble heart — . [Kneeling 

C(ES.^ I must prevent thee, Cimber. 

These couchings and these lowly courtesies 
Might fire the blood of ordinary men, 
And turn pre-ordinance and first decree 
Into the law of children. Be not fond, 
To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood 
That will be thaw'd from the true quality 
With that which melteth fools; I mean, sweet 

words. 
Low-crooked court'sies and base spaniel-fawn- 
ing. 



^Ccesar suspects this is a put-up job. 

^There is an uncomfortable feeling amongst the 
senators generally.- 

^Metellus does not rise, but makes a wide sweep- 
ing appeal all round, — to the senators. 

^Brutus kneels. 

^And they all gradually kneel. 

^There should be a full stage and all seats occu- 
pied by senators. The scene represented is only a 
part of the senate nearest to Ccesar; where we are 
sitting in the audience there are senators and 
crowds of people. That must always be carefully 
noted in all representations, especially where there 
is supposed to be a full stage. A few remain 
seated. 

"^Ccesar carefully looks around at them all; his 
quick eye would take in the whole situation. ' 



ii6 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Thy brother by decree is banished:^ 

If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him, 

I spurn thee like a cur out of my way. 

Know, Cassar doth not wrong, nor without cause 

Will he be satisfied.^ 

MeL^ Is there no voice more worthy than 
my own, 
To sound more sweetly in great Caesar's ear 
For the repealing of my banish'd brother? 

Bru.^ I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, 
Caesar; 
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may 
Have an immediate freedom of repeal. 

CcBS. What, Brutus!^ 

Cas. Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon:® 

As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall. 
To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber. 

CcesJ I could be well moved, if I were as you: 
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me: 
But I am constant as the northern star, 
Of whose true-fix'd and resting quaHty 
There is no fellow in the firmament. 
The skies are painted with unnumber'd sparks, 
They are all fire and every one doth shine; 
But there's but one in all doth hold his place. 
117 



WonH stop on the "/." This speech inflames 
the senators almost to madness. 

^The senators almost rise up to Ccesar. Caesar 
remains enthroned. ' Agitation. 

^All raising hands. This scene must throb. 

^He means if Brutus^ appeal is unheard there 
is no chance for the others. 

^Casca thinks this a good moment to strike; he 
has been creeping up behind Ccesar unseen by 
Lepidus, who should have defended Ccesar. 

^This great last moment of Ccesar' s must be slow, 
deliberate; he is literally dragged off the seat, 
staggers down C — a pause — he looks around and 
sees Brutus just about to stab him; he opens his 
robe; Brutus practically embraces him with his 
sword; Ccesar covers his face with robe and falls. 
There is a dead pause while you count ten. The 
senators and the crowd all stop, hold their breaths 
after pause. The lame Cinna shouts the words, 
which are repeated by mob, then they begin to 
scatter. Tremendous movement! 



ii8 



JULIUS C^SAR 

So in the world: 'tis furnish'd well with men, 
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive; 
Yet in the number I do know but one 
That unassailable holds on his rank, 
Unshak'd of motion: and that I^ am he. 
Let me a little show it, even in this; 
That I was constant Cimber should be banish'd, 
And constant do remain to keep him so. 

Cin. Caesar,^ — 

C(ss. Hence! wilt thou lift up 

Olympus? 

Dec. Great Caesar,' — 

Cces."^ Does not Briitus bootless kneel? 

Casca} Speak, hands, for me! 

{Casca and the other Conspirators stab Casar 

Cces.^ Et tu, Brute! Then fall, Caesar! 

[Dies. '^ 

Cin. Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead 1 
Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets. 

Cas. Sorne to the common pulpits, and cry out 
"Liberty, freedom, and enfranchisement!" 

Bru. People and senators, be not affrighted; 
Fly not; stand still: ambition's debt is paid. 

[Some fly, some stop; there is a general changing 
of sides. Senators keep their places 
119 



^The senators more or less huddle together in 
factions. Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Cinna are 
mostly together L and L C. Lepidus flees at back 
directly after the death-pause. Puhlius stands 
near the empty seat as if stunned. 

^Trebonius stays R; he has re-entered before the 
Senate begins; he goes off R after the death-pause, 
probably to look for Antony. 

^All these speeches follow very quickly. 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Casca. Go to the pulpit, Brutus. 

Dec. And Cassius too. 

Bru. Where's Publius? 

Cin. Here, quite confounded with this 

mutiny. 
Met. Stand fast together, lest some friend of 
Csesar's 
Should chance — 
Bru. Talk not of standing.^ Publius, good 
cheer; 
There is no harm intended to your person. 
Nor to no Roman else: so tell them, Publius. 
Cas. And leave us, Publius- lest that the 
people, 
Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief . 
Bru. Do so: and let no man abide this deed, 
But we the doers. 

Re-enter Trebonius^ 

Cas. (L C). Where is Antony? 

Treb. (R). Fled to his house amaz'd: 
Men, wives and children stare, cry out and run 
As it were doomsday. 

Bru. {L C).^ Fates, we will know your 
pleasures: 

121 



"^The two lines of Cassius, and those of Brutus, 
are spoken rapidly; all the scene at this point is 
at fever heat. 

Ht is important here that one of the younger 
senators, Metellus for instance, has the redded 
sponge in a concealed pocket; he kneels in the 
centre and all the senators rub their hands with it. 
It has to he done in an instant, and he careful the 
paint does not get on to the togas. It should he 
some process that dries instantly. If there are 
many senators a second sponge can he concealed 
behind or near the steps of Ccesar's dais. Be sure 
the sponge is put away; very little red is necessary. 
They are not killing a bullock. A pause of about 
fifteen to twenty seconds — whilst all use the paint, 
with hacks to audience. Then they resume their 
places as before; all the speeches very rapid. 

^Don't be machines; each man in this crowd 
has an individuality. 



JULIUS C^SAR 

That we shall die, we know; 'tis but the time 
And drawing days out, that men stand upon. 

Cas.^ Why, he that cuts off twenty years of 
Ufe 
Cuts off so many years of fearing death. 

Bru.^ Grant that, and then is death a benefit : 
So are we Caesar's friends, that have abridg'd 
His time of fearing death. ^ Stoop, Romans, 

stoop. 
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar's blood 
Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords: 
Then walk we forth, even to the market-place, 
And, waving our red weapons o'er our heads, 
Let's all cry Peace, freedom and liberty? 

Cas. (L C). Stoop, then, and wash. ^"^ 
How many ages hence 
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over 
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!' 

Bru. (L C). How many times shall Caesar 
bleed in sport. 
That now on Pompey's basis lies along 
No worthier than the dust! 

Cas. (L). So oft as that shall be, 

So often shall the knot of us be call'd 
The men that gave their country liberty. 
123 



The speech of the servant can he omitted. 

^Antony takes in the situation at a glance. 

^Antony runs in, stops short, he wears a thin 
white drapery on head, which he takes ojff to cover 
CcBsar's face. 

^He kneels above the body of Ccssar and covers 
Ccesar^s face with drapery, also drawing the robe 
as far over Ccesar as possible. 

^He offers his heart to their swords. {He was 
a great politician.) 



124 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Dec. (R). What, shall we forth? 

Cas. Ay, every man away: 

Brutus shall lead; and we will grace his heels 
With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome. 

Bru. But here comes Antony. 

Re-enter Antony from R 

Welcome, Mark Antony. 

Ant.^ mighty Caesar! dost thou Ue so low? 

Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, 

Shrunk to this little measure?^ Fare thee well.' 

[Rises 
I know not, gentlemen, what you intend. 
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank: 
If I myself, there is no hour so fit 
As Cassar's death hour, nor no instrument 
Of half that worth as those your swords, made 

rich 
With the most noble blood of all this world. 
I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard. 
Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and 

smoke,* 
Fulfil your pleasure. Live a thousand years, 
I shall not find myself so apt to die : 
No place will please me so, no mean of death, 

125 



^Brutus, like many great men, had a simple 
child-like nature, or he might have known that 
Antony was playing upon them all, and they are 
very anxious to get him on their side. 

^Even Cassius, whose hate for Antony is only 
equalled by Antony's contempt for him, pleads. 



126 



JULIUS C^SAR 

As here by Caesar, and by you cut off, 
The choice and master spirits of this age. 

Bru.^ Antony, beg not your death of us. 
Though now we must appear bloody and cruel, 
As, by our hands and this our present act. 
You see we do, yet see you but our hands 
And this the bleeding business they have done: 
Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful; 
And pity to the general wrong of Rome — 
As fire drives out fire, so pity pity — 
Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part, 
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark 

Antony, 
Our arms, in strength of malice, and our Ihearts 
Of brothers' temper, do receive you in 
With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence. 

Cas.^ Your voice shall be as strong as any 

man's 
the disposing of new dignities. 

Bru. {L C). Only be patient till we have 
appeas'd 
The multitude, beside themselves with fear, 
And then we- will deliver you the cause. 
Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him, 
Have thus proceeded. 

127 



^Antony sees how he has gained their present 
good will. 

/^Antony would dislike two people; especially 
Cassius and Casca, -one rather a match with 
him in diplomacy, the other a common fellow. The 
"valiant^' Casca, here, evidently, has reference 
to the initial blow struck at Ccesar; of which he 
would have heard from the mob as he came hither. 
He would almost wipe his hands after shaking the 
gory paws of Casca. 

^ Antonyms one redeeming feature was his great 
and real love of Ccesar, which was only natural, 
for Ccesar was a lovable person. 

The stage should get a little darker. 

^Here he stands again in the centre. 



128 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Ant. (C).^ I doubt not of your wisdom. 

Let each man render me his bloody hand: 
First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you; 
Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand; 
Now, Decius Brutus, yours; now yours, Metellus; 
Yours, Cinna; and, my valiant Casca, yours ;^ 
Though last, not least in love, yours, good 

Trebonius. 
Gentlemen all — alas, what shall I say? 
My credit now stands on such slippery ground. 
That one of two bad ways you must conceit me. 
Either a coward or a flatterer. 
That I did love thee, Caesar, O, 'tis true:' 
If then thy spirit look upon us now. 
Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death, 
To see thy Antony making his peace. 
Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes. 
Most noble ! in the presence of thy corse? 
Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds, 

[kneels again 
Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood, 
It would become me better than to close 
In terms of friendship with thine enemies. 
Pardon me, Julius!^ Here wast thou bay'd, 

brave hart; 

129 



^Cassius is indignant at being termed a prince: 
and a mean one evidently, to kill a poor baffled deer. 

^Cassius here plays the diplomat: he knows well 
that Antony does not want to be left out in the cold. 

^Brutus is the only person who could so sum up 
the matter. The senators remain in the same 
positions. I note changes of position when 
necessary. It is tiresome to move about the stage 
unless for a definite reason. 



130 



JULIUS CiESAR 

Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand, 
Sign'd in thy spoil, and crimson'd in thy lethe. 
O world, thou wast the forest to this hart; 
And this, indeed, O world, the heart of thee. 
How like a deer, strucken by many princes,^ 
Dost thou here lie! 

Cas. (L). Mark Antony — 

Ant. (C). Pardon me, Caius ]Cassius : 

The enemies of Cassar shall say this; 
Then, in a friend, it is cold modesty. 

Cas. (L).^ I blame you not for praising Caesar 
so; 
But what compact mean you to have with us? 
Will you be prick'd in number of our friends; 
Or shall we on, and not depend on you? 

Ant. Therefore I took your hands, but was, 
indeed, 
Sway'd from the point, by looking down on 

Caesar. 
Friends am I with you all and love you all, 
Upon this hope, that you shall give me reasons 
Why and wherein C^sar was dangerous.^ 

Bru. {Crosses to L C). Or else were this a 
savage spectacle: 
Our reasons are so full of good regard 
131 



'^Antony knows there may be objections to his 
funeral oration. 

^A strong movement among the senators, who, all 
through the scene, consult in their own groups. 

^Antony sinks to ground again by the body. 

^Cassius is much concerned by this concession. 

^Brutus is calmer, but they both fear the common 
people. Now Antony is a darling of the people; 
he has all the tricks of popularity at his fingers^ end, 
a good athlete, a good talker, a good fellow: So he 
knows he will gain the day. 



132 



JULIUS CESAR 

That were you, Antony, the son of Caesar, 
You should be satisfied. 

Ant. (C).i That's all I seek: 

And am moreover suitor, that I may 
Produce his body to the market-place; 
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,^ 
Speak in the order of his funeral. 

Bru. You shall, Mark Antony.' 

Cas. Brutus, a word with you. 

[Aside to Bru.Y You know not what you do: 

do not consent 
That Antony speak in his funeral: 
Know you how much the people may be mov'd 
By that which he will utter? 

Bru.^ By your pardon; 

I will myself into the pulpit first. 
And show the reason of our Caesar's death: 
What Antony shall speak, I will protest 
He speaks by leave and by permission, 
And that we are contented Caesar shall 
Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies. 
It shall advantage more than do us wrong. 

Cas. I know not what may fall; I like it not. 

Bru. Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar's 
body. 

133 



^This has a touch of self -piety about it. 

^Antonys reply is full of meaning. Antony 
kneels once more over Ccesar. 

^The senators all cross to R, pause and look 
at the dead body; also give a half look at Antony; 
Casca being very offensive. 

^Rises and invokes the gods. This speech is 
mere rhetoric. 

^This is political prophecy. 



134 



JULIUS C^SAR 

You shall not in your funeral speech blame us, 
But speak all good you can devise of Caesar, 
And say you do 't by our permission;^ 
Else shall you not have any hand at all 
About his funeral: and you shall speak 
In the same pulpit whereto I am going, 
After my speech is ended. 

Ant.^ Be it so; 

I do desire no more. 

Bru. Prepare the body then, and follow us.' 
[Exeunt all but Antony R 

Ant. O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of 
earth. 
That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! 
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man 
That ever lived in the tide of times. 
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!* 
Over thy wounds now do I prophesy — 
Which, like dumb mouths, do ope their ruby 

lips, 
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue — 
A curse shall light upon the limbs of men;^ 
Domestic fury, and fierce civil strife, 
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy: 
Blood and destruction shall be so in use 

135 



^Be sure this is called Ah-tay. 

^Husband the voice and gestures for this speech, 
as you must for all long and big speeches. Begin 
quietly, and increase as the words and intention 
increase. Then take a good breath and get the 
climax; six, seven, but rarely more than eight words 
can be spoken, without a breath or punctuation. 
Never gasp nor catch the breath, as some of our 
affected actors and actresses do. In fact, if 
possible, do not imitate any actor or actress, es- 
pecially if they are mannered. This is a favourite 
point to bring down the curtain. If there is no 
curtain, all the better; continue the scene, as 
otherwise a big point of this is lost. 

^ This proves once more the devotion of 
servants. There are people who love to say that 
Shakespeare was unjust to the labourer, which, of 
course; is as unjust and futile as to say that 
Shakespeare wrote Bacon. 

^Antony shows his humanity always where 
Ccesar is concerned. He pats the boy on the head, 
turns away. He was certainly his good angel. 



136 



JULIUS CiESAR 

And dreadful objects so familiar, 
That mothers shall but smile, when they behold 
Their infants quarter 'd with the hands of war; 
All pity chok'd with custom of fell deeds: 
And Csesar's spirit, ranging for revenge, 
With Ate^ by his side, come hot from hell. 
Shall in these confines, with a monarch's voice, 
Cry "Havoc," and let slip the dogs of war; 
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth 
With carrion men, groaning for burial.^ 

{Pause: ^^) Then enter a Servant Ri 

You serve Octavius Caesar, do you not? 
Serv. I do, Mark Antony. 
Ant. C^sar did write for him to come to 

Rome. 
Serv. {R). He did receive his letters, and is 
coming; 
And bid me say to you by word of mouth — 
O Caesar! — 

[Seeing the body, falls on knees R C^ 
Ant.^ Thy heart is big, get thee apart and 
weep. 
Passion, I see, is catching; for mine eyes, 
137 



^Servant rises — .ready to go. 

^Antony says this with great intention. 

^This scene will hold the audience if carefully 
done. Antony takes the head, the servant {who 
should he big, strong, and manly) takes the feet; 
they gently put the cloak around the body before 
lifting it. Shakespeare evidently drew his inspira- 
tion from the death of Christ, and the loving care 
of his friends. The tragedy of Ccesar is somewhat 
similar. The body is alone with Antony and one 
humble servant. The curtains of the canopy 
should be closed directly they get the body within, 
to cut off the view of carrying the body. Such 
stage business is a little apt to rouse one titter, and 
then the whole crowd laughs, especially after scenes 
of great stress and emotion. 



138 



JULIUS CiESAR 

Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine, 
Began to water. Is thy master coming? 

Serv} He lies to-night within seven leagues 
of Rome. 

Ant. Post back with speed, and tell him what 
hath chanc'd: 
Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome,^ 
No Rome of safety for Octavius yet; 
Hie hence, and tell him so. Yet, stay awhile; 
Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corse 
Into the market-place : there shall I try, 
In my oration, how the people take 
The cruel issue of these bloody men; 
According to the which, thou shalt discourse 
To young Octavius of the state of things. 
Lend me your hand. 

[Exeunt with CcBsar's body off up L^ 

Scene II. The Forum: or it can he the same 

Enter Brutus and Cassius, and a throng of 
Citizens from R 

Citizens. (R and L). We will be satisfied; 

let us be satisfied. 
Bru. (R). Then follow me, and give me 

audience, friends. 
139 



There can he another interval previous to this 
scene or it can go right on. Antony with Ccesar's 
body has gone of up L, through one of the upper 
doors; the senators and citizens come on shouting 
at the lower entrances R and L. Brutus and 
Cassius come from Ri; citizens precede and fol- 
low with terrific shouts. This scene can employ 
from, ten to one hundred people. In the case of a 
small cast all the senators and every one in the cast 
of loth sexes should come on this scene; all can be 
disguised with caps, cloaks, hoods, etc. This 
was done by the famous Saxe Meiningen Players, 
one of the greatest Stock Companies of our times. 

^Not more than two would follow Cassius; he was 
very unpopular. The pulpit can be the balcony 
above the Elizabethan stage or a small property, 
which can be put on when curtains are mo- 
mentarily closed, for the interval. In case of a 
stage production; the steps where Ccesar sat, or an 
elaborate presentation of the Forum: there is no 
limit to scenery — if you have money and the art 
to make it. But you must not try to give all the 
Shakespeare and the scenery too, or you would 
necessitate an all night session. 

'^Shouts. 

^Murmurs of admiration. 
140 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Cassius, go you into the other street, 

And part the numbers. 

Those that will hear me speak, let 'em stay 

here; 
Those that will follow Cassius, go with him; 
And public reason shall be rendered 
Of Caesar's death. 
First Cit. {R to L C). I will hear Brutus 

speak. 
Sec. Cit. (R). I will hear Cassius; and com- 
pare their reasons, 
When severally we hear them rendered. 
[Exit Cassius, with some of the Citizens.^ 

Brutus goes into the pulpit. 
Third Cit. The noble Brutus is ascended;^ 

silence ! 
Bru. Be patient till the last. 
Romans, countr3mien, and lovers!^ hear me for 
my cause, and be silent, that you may hear: be- 
lieve me for mine honour, and [have respect to 
mine honour, that you may believe: censure me 
in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that 
you may the better judge. If there be any in 
this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to him 
I say, that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than 
141 



^Murmur. 

The shouts in this scene will he outlined; they 
can be used in the discretion of the director. The 
citizens must all stand with their faces to Brutus and 
Antony, all in front. DonH let people get behind 
the pulpit, if possible. Let all shouts increase and 
decrease by degrees, not sharp and sudden. 

^Murmur. 

^Mingled "yeas" and "nays" here, the "yeas" 
predominating. 

^A decided acquiescence. 

^Murmur of approval. 

^Pause. No answer. 

"^Dead silence. 

M great shout here. 

^Murmur. 



142 



JULIUS C^SAR 

his. If then that friend demand why Brutus 
rose against Csesar, this is my answer: — Not 
that I lov'd Ccesar less, but that I lov'd Rome 
more.^ Had you rather Caesar were living 
and die all slaves, than that Caesar were 
dead, to live all free men?^ As Caesar lov'd 
me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I 
rejoice at it; as he was vaHant, I honour him: 
but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.' 
There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune; 
honour for his valour; and death for his ambition.^ 
Who is here so base that would be a bondman? 
If any, speak; for him have I offended.^ Who 
is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If 
any, speak; for him have I offended.^ Who is 
here so vile that will not love his country? If 
any, speak; for him have I ojff ended.' I pause 
for a reply. 

All. None, Brutus, none.* 

Bru. Then none have I offended. I have 
done no more to Caesar than you shall do to 
Brutus.^ The question of his death is enroU'd 
in the Capitol; his glory not extenuated, wherein 
he was worthy, nor his offences enforc'd, for 
which he suffered death. 
143 



^He looks of R and sees Ccssar^s body in the 
distance. All the citizens look ojff too and are 
distracted from Brutus at the sight of a new sen- 
sation, the dead body of a martyr, Brutus does 
not get their attention again; they only half attend 
to him; the shouts for Brutus are strong but seem 
a little forced. He goes of, followed to the entrance 
L by a few, who then immediately rush back to 
see the funeral procession. 

^ Enter Antony with six or eight [or four) soldiers 
bearing Ccesar^s body. Antony can have a black 
toga if desired. 

The body of Ccesar is brought on a bier, bearing 
a box about the size of a large coffin; the coffin is 
covered with Ccesar's cloak, the red one; the outer 
pall or covering is the purple Roman robe. These 
should both be large and with ample folds and very 
carefully arranged so that neither drops of, nor 
hangs down on the floor. Please have some reliable 
person see to all such things behind the scenes. 
An intelligent property man or woman is a most 
important post, like the prompter. The stage 
manager and assistant, the property man and the 
prompter, should possess three indispensable attri- 
butes — brains, patience, system. DonH let any 
one assume these offices without them. 

Murmurs all the time the procession moves. 
144 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Here comes his body^ mourned by Mark 
Antony, who, though he had no hand in his 
death, shall receive the benefit of his dying — 
a place in the commonwealth as which if you 
shall not. With this I depart, that as I slew 
my best lover for the good of Rome, I have 
the same dagger for myself, when it shall please 
my country to need my death. 

All. Live, Brutus, live, live. 

First Cit. Bring him with triumph home 
unto his house. 

Sec. Cit. Give him a statue with his ancestors. 

Third Cit. Let him be Caesar. (Shouts.) 

Fourth Cit. Caesar's better parts 

Shall be crown'd in Brutus. (Shouts.) 

First Cit. We'll bring him to his house 

With shouts and clamours. (Shouts.) 

Bru. My countrymen, 

Sec. Cit. Peace, silence! Brutus speaks. 

First Cit. (Hushing them.) Peace, ho! 

Bru. Good countrymen, let me depart alone, 
And, for my sake, stay here with Antony: 
Do grace to Caesar's corpse, and grace his speech 
Tending to Caesar's glories; which Mark Antony, 
By our permission, is allow'd to make.^ 
145 



^The citizens are moving about and the funeral 
procession has to push its way almost. 

^-Antony has his eyes cast down and takes in the 
whole situation. His first words are a master 
stroke. 

^The murmurs keep up all the time. The citi- 
zens are both men and women, and these very 
important parts should he carefully distributed. 

'^Tremendously loud here. 

^This speech is hardly heard; emphasize the 
''gentle.'' 

^Each word has a pause for quiet in between, and 
the appeal for silence is almost pitiful. 



146 



JULIUS C^SAR 

I do entreat you, not a man depart, 
Save I alone, till Antony have spoke. [Exit of L 
{CcBsar's body is brought on here. Not before 
Brutus leaves; the people are all looking of R.) 

First Cit. Stay, ho! and let us hear Mark 

Antony.^ 
Third Cit. Let him go up into the public chair ; 
We'll hear him. Noble Antony, go up.^ 
Ant.^ For Brutus' sake, I am beholding to 

you. [Goes into the pulpit. 

Fourth Cit.^ What does he say of Brutus? 
Third Cit.^ He says, for Brutus' sake, ,- 
He finds himself beholding to us all. 
Fourth Cit.^ 'Twere best he speak no harm 

of Brutus here. 
First Cit.^ This Caesar was a tyrant. 
Third Cit.^ Nay, that's certain: 

We are blest that Rome is rid of him. 
Sec. Cit.^ Peace! let us hear what Antony 

can say. {Antony is ready to begin.) 
Ant.^ You gentle Romans — 
Citizens. Peace, ho! let us hear him. 
Ant.^ Friends, Romans, countr3maen, lend 

me your ears; 

147 



'^Emphasize "bury," as there's no indication yet 
of the praise. The reverse was really Antonyms 
intention, as at the end of the scene he practically 
leaves the body to bury itself. 

^Strong assent from the crowd. 

^Antony knows he can get at the crowd through 
praise of their idol. 

^"J^aithful and just" {murmurs) "to me!" 

^He appeals to their pockets now. 

^The murmurs get cooler, less demonstrative. 
Antony at once notices this and presses home his 
cause. 

''This is a great point to make. 



148 



JULIUS C^SAR 

I come to bury^ Caesar, not to praise him. 

The evil that men do lives after them; 

The good is oft interred with their bones; 

So let it be with Caesar.^ The noble Brutus 

Hath told you Cassar was ambitious : 

If it were so, it was a grievous fault, 

And grievously hath C£esar answer'd it. 

Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest — 

For Brutus is an honourable man;^ 

So are they all, all honourable men — 

Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral. 

He was my friend, faithful and just to me:* 

But Brutus says he was ambitious; 

And Brutus is an honourable man. 

He hath brought many captives home to Rome, 

Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill:^ 

Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? 

When that the poor have cri'd, Caesar hath 

wept: 
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff: 
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;^ 
And Brutus is an honourable man. 
You all did see that on the Lupercal 
I thrice presented him a kingly crown, 
Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition?^ 
149 



^Very small murmur. 

^The crowd are now not quite sure if he is! 

^Very emphatic! 

'^Here the crowd almost begin to turn round to 
Coesar; the bier stands in the middle; they are all 
around it looking up at Antony. 

^Here Antony becomes excited; the crowd mis- 
take it for impudence or hysteria. 

^He here turns away and buries his face in his 
drapery. 

''The citizens assemble together in front to com- 
pare notes. Antony watches them out of the cor- 
ner of his eye^. 



ISO 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;^ 
And, sure, he is an honourable man,^ 
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, 
But here I am to speak what I do know.^ 
You all did love him once,^ not without cause: 
What cause withholds you then, to mourn for 
him? 

judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts, 
And men have lost their reason.^ Bear with me ; 
My heart is in the coflQn there with Caesar, 
And I must pause till it come back to me.® 

First Cit. (C). Methinks there is much rea- 
son in his sayings.'^ 

Sec. at. (R C). If thou consider rightly of 
the matter, 
Cassar has had great wrong. 

Third Cit. (L C). Has he, masters? 

1 fear there will a worse come in his place. 
Fourth Cit. (R). Mark'd ye his words? He 

would not take the crown; 
Therefore 'tis certain he was not ambitious. 
First Cit. If it be found so, some will dear 

abide it. 
Sec. Cit. Poor soul! his eyes are red as fire 

with weeping. 



^The crowd separates again and Antony re- 
covers himself, to speak again. 

^The women begin to sob. Antony knows he has 
gained an advantage. 

^Murmurs. 

^He throws these words at them. They groan. 

^A II repeat ' ' Ccesar's seal. ' ' They all stretch for- 
ward, murmur of disappointment. 

^In places where crowds shout and speak, be sure 
and use di^erent tones; don't let all the ''extras'' 
shout on one note, as they do on the professional 
stages; let every person use his own natural voice for 
shouts, laughs, murmurs, etc. (This is not an 
opera. Only Richard Wagner realized the absurdity 
of the one-note-pistol-shot shout. Listen to his 
choruses in "Tristan,'' "Dutchman," and " Cot- 
ter dammerung." Then compare the anvil chorus in 
" II Trovatore.") 

"^ These are all spoken as phrases to catch the 
crowd. Tremendous intensity and energy required 
here. Antony's voice the loudest. 



152 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Third Cit. There's not a nobler man in 

Rome than Antony. 
Fourth Cit. Now mark him, he begins again 

to speak. ^ 
Ant. But yesterday the word of Caesar might 
Have stood against the world; now lies he there, 
And none so poor to do him reverence.^ 

masters, if I were disposed to stir 
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, 

1 should do Brutus wrong; and Cassius wrong,^ 
Who, you all know, are honourable men:^ 

I will not do them wrong; I rather choose 
To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you, 
Than I will wrong such honourable men. 
But here's a parchment with the seal of Caesar,^ 
I found it in his closet, 'tis his will: 
Let but the commons hear this testament — 
Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read — 
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar's 

wounds^ 
And dip their napkins in his sacred blood,''' 
Yea, beg a hair of him for memory, 
And, dying, mention it within their wills, 
Bequeathing it as a rich legacy 
Unto their issue. 

153 



^Every hand in the crowd must go up here, 
^The excitement of the crowd knows no hounds. 
^Shout "No" here quite as one voice. It re- 
quires the gunshot efect. 

^Repeat "Mad" — The crowd sways. 

^Strong movement. 

^All hands up each time they call for the will. 

"^Shouts. 



154 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Fourth at. We'll hear the will: read it, Mark 

Antony.^ 
All. The will, the will! we will hear Ctesar's 

will. 
Ant. Have patience gentle friends, I must 
not read it;^ 
It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you. 
You are not wood,^ you are not stones,^ but men; 
And, being men, hearing the will of Caesar, 
It will inflame you, it will make you mad:^ 
'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs; 
For, if you should, O, what would come of it!^ 
Fourth at. Read the will; we'll hear it, 
Antony; 
You shall read us the will, Caesar's will. 
Ant. Will you be patient?® will you stay 
awhile?® 
I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it: 
I fear I wrong the honourable men {Murmurs.) 
Whose daggers have stabb'd Caesar; I do fear it. 
Fourth at. They were traitors: honourable 

men! 
All. The will!^ the testament!^ 
Sec. at. They were villains, murderers: the 
will! read^ the will.^ 



^They shout a big '^yes" and "the will." 

This inflames the crowd almost to the killing 
point — Antony sees his advantage and plays 
upon it. Shouts: hands up almost regret- 
fully as if he was afraid there might be some 
feeling against senators. 

^Here the crowd has to he policed by the citizens; 
— they do make a ring, standing away so that 
Antony holds the stage with the body of Caesar in 
front of him. 

^The citizens here almost drag him out of the 
pulpit; he doesnH like the general smell of the crowd 
and shakes them of. The crowd gradually gets 
quiet and Antony, waiting for it, slowly proceeds 
to withdraw the head end (C to R) of the outer 
purple drapery. A big shudder goes all through 
the crowd. Antony leans on the coffin and speaks 
over it to the people. Be sure the legs of the bier 
are strong. It should have bars fore and aft, by 
which it is carried. 

^A point in Ccesar's favour — a victory. 

^He points to imaginary holes in the robe be- 
cause, of course, he doesn't know; this shows, I 
think, how Shakespeare means Antony to be a 
humbug to gain his point, his love for Ccesar com- 
pelling him to get justice for his memory. 

^The crowd shudders. 

is6 



JULIUS CiESAR 

Ant. You will compel me, then, to read the 
willPi 
Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar, ^ 
And let me show you him that made the will. 
Shall I descend? and will you give me leave? 

Several Cit. Come down. (Shouts) 

Sec. Cit. Descend.^ 

Third Cit. You shall have leave. 

[Antony comes down 

Fourth Cit. A ring; stand round. 

First Cit. Stand from the hearse, stand from 
the body. 

Sec. Cit. Room for Antony, most noble 
Antony. 

Ant. Nay, press not so upon me; stand far off. 

Several Cit. Stand back; room; bear back. 

Ant. If you have tears, prepare to shed them 
now. (Lifts outer drapery.) 
You all do know this mantle: I remember 
The first time ever Caesar put it on; 
'Twas on a summer's evening, in his tent, 
That day he overcame the Nervii:^ 
Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through:^ 
See what a rent the envious Casca made: 
Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabb'd;^ 

IS7 



^The crowd weeps. 

^Shudder. 

^This is a great point, as crowds are generally 
hysterical and superstitious. 

^They all sink on their knees sobbing. 

^Antony looks on at the sobbing crowd with con- 
tempt. 

^He almost puts Ms hands on their heads in 
sympathy. 

"^The over mantle is held up with the red one as 
if to show the crowd the face of Ccesar. They all 
go round in two or three big circles, as if to get a 
peep into the very coffin. 



158 



JULIUS C^SAR 

And as he pluck'd his cursed steel away, 

Mark how the blood of Caesar foUow'd it, 

As rushing out of doors, to be resolv'd 

If Brutus so unkindly knock'd, or no; 

For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel :^ 

Judge, O you gods, how dearly Csesai lov'd him: 

This was the most unkindest cut of all; 

For when the noble Csesar saw him stab,^ 

Ingratitude, more strong than traitor's arms, 

Quite vanquish'd him; then burst his mighty 

heart: 
And, in his mantle muffling up his face, 
Even at the base of Pompey's statue. 
Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar 

ielU 
O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!^ 
Then I, and you, and all of us fell down. 
Whilst bloody treason flourish'd over us.^ 
O, now you weep; and, I perceive, you feel 
The dint of pity:^ these are gracious drops. 
Kind souls, what, weep you when you but be- 
hold 
Our Caesar's vesture wounded? Look you here, 

[Lifting CcBsar's mantle 
Here is himself, marr'd, as you see, with traitors.^ 

159 



^These murmurs are all mixed voices and in 
undertones of indignation, vengeance, and sorrow. 

^When the crowd has gone all round once slowly, 
the second citizen should stop where he began to 
move, and make these shouts from R C. 

^The crowd disperses and rushes wildly back- 
ward and forward to R and L. Every one of 
them practically changing places across stage. 

'^Antony gets out of the crowd and rushes into the 
pulpit to get the advantage. 

^The more orderly citizens try to appease the 
more ignorant. 

^The second citizen is a fanatic. 

"^Here Antony apologizes to them. 

^ Yells of derision! 

^More derision. 

^°0h, no — of course not! 



1 60 



JULIUS C^SAR 

First at. O piteous spectacle!^ 

Sec. at. noble Caesar!^ 

Third at. O woful dayl^ 

Fourth at. traitors, villains!^ 

First at. O most bloody sight !^ 

Sec.^ at. We will be reveng'd. 

All.^ Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! 
Kill! Slay! 
Let not a traitor live. 

Ant.^ Stay, coantrymen. 

First at.^ Peace there! hear the noble An- 
tony. 

Sec. at.^ We'll hear him, we'll follow him, 
we'll die with him. 

Ant."^ Good friends, sweet friends, let me not 
stir you up 
To such a sudden flood of mutiny. 
They that have done this deed are honourable:^ 
What private griefs they have, alas, I know not, 
That made them do it: they are wise and honour- 
able, 
And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.^ 
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts: 
I am no orator, as Brutus is;^" 
But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man, 

i6i 



^The "but^' here is a big one. 

^Emphasize the "stones" and ''rise.** 

^Very strong feeling among the crowd. 

^Antony shouts to stop them from rushing of 
right there. 

^This is his final stroke. 

N. B. — Where the numbers of the notes are re- 
peated, it is to indicate that the stage " business " 
is repeated. 



162 



JULIUS C^SAR 

That love my friend; and that they know full 

well 
That gave me public leave to speak of him : 
I tell you that which you yourselves do know; 
Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor, poor 
dumb mouths, [Murmur 

And bid them speak for me: but,^ were I 

Brutus, 
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony 
Would ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongue 
In every wound of Caesar that should move 
The stones'^ of Rome to rise and mutiny. 
All^ We'll mutiny. 

First Cit.^ We'll bum the house of Brutus. 
Third Cit.^ Away, then! come, seek the con- 
spirators. 
Ant.'^ Yet hear me, countrymen; yet hear me 

speak. 
All. Peace, ho! Hear Antony. Most noble 

Antony! 
Ant. Why, friends, you go to do you know 
not what: 
Wherein hath Caesar thus deserv'd your loves? 
Alas, you know not: I must tell you, then: 
You have forgot the will I^ told you of. 
163 



^The biggest shout of all here; all hands up. 
You almost need to make the audience rush on to 
the stage here. 

^Murmur "CcBsar^s seal;" shout ''yes" at each 
pause. 

^Antony has a difficulty to hold the crowd till 
he finishes. 

'^Hands, hats, caps, thrown in the air; the 
crowd is beside itself with joy. 

^They have almost forgotten Antony. 

^The crowd is moving R and L. 

''Their joy is unbounded, the children are held 
up above the crowd. 

^The shouts at each sentence and at the end the 
crowd mixes, rushes offi R and L, shouting for 
some time. The six soldiers take up the bier and 
go of with the crowd Ri. As the body goes of 
Antony rushes out of the pulpit and shouts with 
victorious laughter. The fool multitude is once 
more gained over by popular appeal, chiefly to the 
pockets. 



164 



JULIUS C^SAR 

All. Most true. The will!^ Let's stay and 
hear the will. 

Ant. Here is the will, and under Caesar's seaP 
To every Roman citizen he gives — ^ 
To every several man — seventy-five drachmas. 

Sec. Cit.^ Most noble Caesar! We'll revenge 
his death. 

Third Cit. O royal Caesar! 

Ant.^ Hear me with patience. 

All.^ Peace, ho! 

Ant. Moreover, he hath left you all his 
walks,^ 
His private arbours and new-planted orchards, 
On this side Tiber; he hath left them you,^ 
And to your heirs forever, common pleasures, 
To walk abroad, and recreate yourselves.^ 
Here was a Caesar ! when comes such another? 

First Cit. Never, never. Come, away, away! 
We'll burn his body in the holy place. 
And with the brands fire the traitors' houses. 
Take up the body. {They lift it.) 

Sec. Cit. Go fetch fire. 

Third Cit. Pluck down benches. 

Fourth Cit. Pluck down forms, windows, any 
thing, [Exeunt Citizens with the body 

i6s 



^The curtain can fall at the end of Antonyms 
" oration," making an effective " situation," so 
much beloved of the actor, and also of the audience. 
If Antony stands on the steps of the Forum waving 
his black drapery — donned for the funeral — and 
shouts a laugh of victory, he can hardly fail — un- 
less he is an awfully bad actor — to bring down 
the house! Don't let Antony weep; he should be 
defiant. If an Elizabethan stage the same servant 
enters. He now belongs to Antony, with whom 
Fortune is merry. They go of together L; Antony 
goes to visit Octavius, not to bury Julius. 

M pause for Antony to get of. 



i66 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Ant. Now let it work. Mischief, thou art 
afoot, 
Take thou what course thou wilt!^ 

Enter a Servant R 

How now, fellow! 
Serv. (R) Sir, Octavius is already come to 

Rome. 
Ant. (L C) Where is he? 
Serv. (C) He and Lepidus are at Caesar's 

house. 
Ant. And thither will I straight to visit him: 
He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry, 
And in this mood will give us any thing. 

Serv. I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius 
Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome. 
Ant. Be like they had some notice of the 
people, 
How I had mov'd them. Bring me to Octavius. 

[Exeunt Li^ 

Enter Cinna the poet from Li 

Cin. I dreamt to-night that I did feast with 
Caesar, 
And things unluckily charge my fantasy: 
167 



'^The scene with Cinna is only played on the 
Elizabethan stage; it is richly humorous and 
shows what a master craftsman Shakespeare was 
to relieve the tension of the previous scenes. 

^The citizens, men and women, rush on seeking 
for prey, they catch Cinna, surrounding him R and 
L. 

^Each time they reecho his words with significant 
expressions. 



i68 



JULIUS CiESAR 

I have no will to wander forth of doors, 
Yet something leads me forth. ^ 

Enter Citizens L and R 

First at. (R). What is your name?^ 

Sec. at. (L). Whither are you going? 

Third at. (R). Where do you dwell? 

Fourth at. (L). Are you a married man or 
a bachelor? 

Sec. at. Answer every man directly. 

First at. Ay, and briefly. 

Fourth at. Ay, and wisely. 

Third at. Ay, and truly, you were best. 

an. (C). What is my name?^ Whither am 
I going? Where do I dwell?^ Am I a married 
man or bachelor?^ Then, to answer every man 
directly and briefly, wisely and truly: wisely I 
say, I am a bachelor. 

Sec. at. That's as much as to say, they are 
fools that marry: you'll bear me a bang for that, 
I fear. Proceed; directly. 

an. (C). Directly, I am going to Caesar's 
funeral. 

First at. As a friend or an enemy? 

an. As a friend. 

169 



"^The scene must he made very funny. 

"^They are just going to do it. 

^Cinna is a very thin, long-nosed, pompous, 
quiet gentleman, and is highly indignant at the 
treatment he receives. 

^the women of the crowd practically lift him 
bodily and carry him of R. 

^The tent can he made on the Elizabethan stage by 
looping up the curtains of the canopy; background 
the same. On the scenic stage, this scene cannot be 
in Rome. A plain pair of large curtains can be 
draped, or a regular tent used with an indefinite 
background of landscape; the back of the tent should 
be a cloth. 

^For flourishes of each contending faction, roll 
of drums or cornets; rather long-sustained notes 
are most elective and unlike the modern bugle 
call. Sounds of arms are effective and the words 
of command given behind scenes and echoed by 
three or four people. 



170 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Sec. Cit. That matter is answered directly. 

Fourth Cit. For your dwelling — briefly. 

Cin. Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol. 

Third Cit. Your name, sir, truly. 

Cin. Truly, my name is Cinna.'^ 

First Cit. Tear him to pieces; he's a con- 
spirator.^ 

Cin. I am Cinna the Doet,' I am Cinna the 
poet. 

Fourth Cit. Tear him for his bad verses, 
tear him for his bad verses. 

Cin. I am not Cinna the conspirator. 

Fourth Cit. It is no matter, his name's Cinna ; 
pluck but his name out of his heart, and turn 
him going. 

Third Cit. Tear him, tear him! Come, 
brands, ho!^ fire-brands: to Brutus', to Cassius'; 
burn all; some to Decius' house, and some to 
Casca's; some to Ligarius': away, go! [Exeunt 

Scene II. Camp near Sardis. Before Brutus' 
tent^ 

Drum.^ Enter Brutus, Lucilius, Lucius, and 
Soldiers R; Titinius and Pindarus meeting 
them L. 

171 



^"Stand'' p, "stand'' pp, "stand" ppp, from 
behind scenes. 

^Pindarus goes apart L with Titinius. 

^All this scene very swift and military right up 
to exit of Cassius. 



l^i 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Bru. (C). Stand, ho! 

Lucil. (R). Give the word, ho! and stand. -^ 

Bru. (C). What now, Lucilius! is Cassius 

near? 
Lucil. (R). He is at hand; and Pindarus is 
come 
To do you salutation from his master. 
Bru. (C). He greets me well. Your master, 
Pindarus, 
In his own change, or by ill officers. 
Hath given me some worthy cause to wish 
Things done, undone: but, if he be at hand, 
I shall be satisfied. 

Pin. {L C). I do not doubt 

But that my noble master will appear 
Such as he is, full of regard and honour. 
Bru. He is not doubted.^ A word, Lu- 
cilius; 
How he received you, let me be resolved. 
Lucil. ^ With courtesy and with respect 
enough; 
But not with such familiar instances, 
Nor with such free and friendly conference. 
As he hath used of old. 
Bru. Thou hast described 

173 



"^Trumpets of L. 

^" Stand," "stand," ''stand," off L; same as 
before. 

^The armies of both should consist of about six 
men a side. It is not necessary to show more; 
when they go off they appear to direct other soldiers 
who are off R and L waiting orders. 



174 



JULIUS C^SAR 

A hot friend cooling: ever note, Lucilius, 
When love begins to sicken and decay, 
It useth an enforced ceremony. 
Comes his army on?^ 
Bru. Hark! he is arriv'd. 

[Low march within L 

Enter Cassius and his powers from U 

Cas. Stand, ho! 

Bru. Stand, ho! Speak the word along. 

First Sol. Stand! 

Sec. Sol. Stand! 

Third Sol. Stand! 

Cas. (L C). Most noble brother, you have 
done me wrong. 

Bru. (R C). Judge me, you gods! wrong I 
mine enemies? 
And, if not so, how should I wrong a brother? 

Cas. Brutus, this sober form of yours hides 
wrongs; 
And when you do them — 

Bru. (R C). Cassius, be content;^ 

Speak your griefs softly: I do know you well. 
Before the eyes of both our armies here. 
Which should perceive nothing but love from us, 

175 



^Pindarus salutes and takes his men of L. 

^Lucilius salutes and takes his men of R; hath 
factions make slight marching sounds of stage. 
On the Elizabethan stage Lucius and a soldier {or 
the pages) pull hack curtains here, looping them 
to pillars. Brutus goes up, sitting R; Cassius L; 
both dof their helmets. A table, large candles, 
and two stools inside tent. Lights soft. 

^Cassius starts violently here; he rises; Brutus 
takes it calmly, remaining seated; neither Brutus 
nor Cassius need change positions during scene. 
Except at this point Cassius becomes restless. 



176 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Let us not wrangle: bid them move away; 
Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs, 
And I will give you audience, 

Cas. (L C). Pindarus,^ 

Bid our commanders lead their charges off 
A Httle from this ground. 

Bru. Lucilius,^ do you the like; and let no 
man 
Come to ourtent till we have done our conference. 
Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door. 
Exeunt] (Titinius and Lucius exeunt up tent.) 

Cas. (Sitting). That you have wrong'd me 
doth appear in this: 
You have condemn'd and noted Lucius Pella 
For taking bribes here of the Sardians; 
Wherein my letter, praying on his side, 
Because I knew the man, was sHghted off. 

Bru. (Sits R). You wrong'd yourself to write 
in such a case. 

Cas. In such a time as this it is not meet 
That every nice offence should bear his comment. 

Bru. Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself 
Are much condemn'd to have an itching palm;^ 
To sell and mart your offices for gold 
To undeservers. 

177 



^Cassius sits rather unwillingly. 

Ht is remarkable that what is called "graft," 
was rife in Ccesar's time. 

^Cassius would rise again, hut Brutus holds him 
down with his words. 

^They almost wrangle over the table here. 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Cas. (Rising). I, an itching palm! 
You know that you are Brutus that speak this, 
Or, by the gods, this speech were else your last. 

Bru. The name of Cassius honours this 
corruption, 
And chastisement doth therefore hide his head. 

Cas. Chastisement! 

Bru. Remember March, the ides of March 
remember:^ 
Did not great Julius bleed for justice's sake? 
What villain touch'd his body, that did stab, 
And not for justice? What, shall one of us, 
That struck the foremost man of all this world 
But for supporting robbers i^ shall we now 
Contaminate our fingers with base bribes, 
And sell the mighty space of our large honours 
For so much trash as may be grasped thus? 
I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon, 
Than such a Roman. 

Cas.^ Brutus, bay not me; 

I'll not endure it: you forget yourself, 
To hedge me in; I am a soldier, I, 
Older in practice, abler than yourself 
To make conditions. 

Bru.^ Go to; you are not, Cassius. 
179 



^Cassius slowly and threateningly rising. 

^Brutus slowly compels him to reseat himself 
and speaks slowly and deliberately. 

^Cassius seems rooted to his seat; he is practi- 
cally boiling with anger; he eventually rises and goes 
down L. 

^Brutus rises here and stands erect as if he 
were a giant. 

^They come together again C. 



i8o 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Cas. I am. 

Bru. I say you are not. 

Cas. Urge me no more, I shall forget myself; 
Have mind upon your health, tempt me no 
farther. 

Bru. Away, slight man! 

Cas.^ Is 't possible? 

Bru.^ Hear me, for I will speak. 

Must I give way and room to your rash choler? 
Shall I be frighted when a madman stares? 

Cas.^ ye gods, ye gods! must I endure all 
this? 

Bru.^ All this! ay, more: fret till your proud 
heart break; 
Go show your slaves how choleric you are, 
And make your bondmen tremble. Must I 

budge? 
Must I observe you? must I stand and crouch 
Under your testy humour? By the gods. 
You shall digest the venom of your spleen. 
Though it do spUt you; for, from this day forth, 
I'll use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter, 
When you are waspish. (Crosses to R.) 

Cas. (Going L C). Is it come to this? 

Bru. You say you are a better soldier:^ 



^Brutus is really conscience stricken. It is 
the fashion with many actors to stride up and down 
the stage in this scene; there is a somewhat un- 
dignified quarrel between too practised generals, 
but the words are so big it seems to me unnecessary 
to march about; certainly for Brutus. 

^They are beginning again. 

^Cassius is greatly moved at this. 

^Brutus remains very firm, for he knows Cassius 
was inclined to be a moral coward. 

^This is the climax and finishes up the dispute; 
Cassius is almost painfully mastered. 

^His honesty of purpose is his redeeming feature; 
but unfortunately it could not mend matters. 
Ccesar's great popularity has been manifested and 
Brutus and Cassius stand revealed; one as a 
defeated fanatic, the other as a great soul easily 
led. Their climax is reached; their work seems 
finished; there is left them to die for their cause. 



182 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Let it appear so; make your vaunting true, 
And it shall please me well: for mine own part, 
I shall be glad to learn of noble men.^ 

Cas. You wrong me every way; you wrong 
me, Brutus; 
I said, an elder soldier, not a better: 
Did I say "better"? 
Bru. R C. {Defiantly). If you did, I care 

not. 
Cas. (L C). When Caesar liv'd," he durst not 

thus have mov'd me. 
Bru.^ Peace, peace! you durst not so have 

tempted him. 
Cas.^ I durst not! 
Bru."^ No. 

Cas. What, durst not tempt him! 
Bru. For your life you durst not. 

Cas. Do not presume too much upon my 
love; 
I may do that I shall be sorry for. 

Bru.^ You have done that you should be 
sorry for. 
There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, 
For I am arm'd so strong in honesty^ 
That they pass by me as the idle wind, 
183 



^We now get to business; they exchange looks: 
Cassius sits, then Brutus R. 

"^Tliey are almost quarrelling again; Cassius is 
so emotional he almost weeps. 

^Cassius lets go all his pent-up anger with some 
of his emotion, but a good deal of his speech is 
what is sometimes called "blu^." 



184 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Which I respect not. ^ I did send to you 

For certain sums of gold, which you denied me: 

For I can raise no money by vile means : 

By heaven, I had rather coin my heart, 

And drop my blood for drachmas, than to wring 

From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash 

By any indirection: I did send 

To you for gold to pay my legions. 

Which you denied me: 

Cas.^ I denied you not. 

Bru. You did. 

Cas. I did not: he was but a fool that 
brought 
My answer back. Brutus hath riv'd my heart: 
A friend should bear his friend's infirmities, 
But Brutus makes mine greater than they are. 

Bru. I do not, till you practise them on me. 

Cas. You love me not. 

Bru. I do not like your faults. 

Cas. A friendly eye could never see such faults. 

Bru. A flatterer's would not, though they do 
appear 
As huge as high Olympus. 

Cas.^ Come, Antony, and young Octavius, 
come, 

i8s 



'^He knew Brutus would not strike; he throws 
his sword on the table for Brutus to take up. 

"^Brutus' reply would make most men feel very 
small. 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius, 
For Cassius is aweary of the world; 
Hated by one he loves; brav'd by his brother; 
Check'd like a bondman; all his faults observ'd, 
Set in a note-book, learn'd, and conn'd by rote, 
To cast into my teeth. 0, I could weep 
My spirit from mine eyes ! There is my dagger, ^ 
And here my naked breast; within, a heart 
Dearer than Plutus' mine, richer than gold: 
If that thou be'st a Roman, take it forth; 
I, that denied thee gold, will give my heart: 
Strike, as thou didst at Caesar; for, I know. 
When thou didst hate him worst, thou lovest 

him better 
Than ever thou lovedst Cassius. 

Bru.^ Sheathe your dagger: 

Be angry when you will, it shall have scope; 
Do what you will, dishonour shall be humour. 
O Cassius, you are yoked with a lamb 
That carries anger as the flint bears fire; 
Who, much enforced, shows a hasty spark, 
And straight is cold again. 

Cas. Hath Cassius liv'd 

To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus, 
When grief, and blood ill-tempered, vexeth him? 
187 



^The two men embrace here; a pause. They have 
practically to see their business through to the end, 
and there is still Antony to deal with. 

^The boy Lucius has been just outside the tent 
off stage; Brutus calls to him. 

^A slight pause; thenewsis a staggerer to Cassius; 
he cannot realize it. The impending doom seems 
to soften his nature. 



i88 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Bru. When I spoke that, I was ill-temper'd 

too. 
Cas. Do you confess so much? Give me 

your hand. {They both rise) 
Bru} And my heart too. 
Cas} O Brutus! ^T^ 

Bru. What's the matter? 

Cas. Have not you love enough to bear with 
me, 
When that rash humour which my mother gave 

me 
Makes me forgetful? 

Bru. Yes, Cassius; and, from henceforth, 

When you are over-earnest with your Brutus, 
He'll think your mother chides, and leave you 
so. 
Bru. {Sits R). Lucius, a bowl of wineP 

[Exit Lucius up L 
Cas. {Sits L) . I did not think you could have 

been so angry. 
Bru. O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs, 
Cas. Of your philosophy you make no use, 
If you give place to accidental evils. 
Bru. No man bears sorrow better. Portia 
is dead.^ 

189 



^He takes Brutus^ hand. Once more we see 
what a much finer character is Portia than either 
of these two men. 

^Cassius turns away, burying his face in his 
hands. 

^They pledge each other. 

^Brutus drinks. 



igo 



JULIUS CESAR 

Cas. Ha! Portia! 

Bru. She is dead. 

Cas. How 'scaped I killing when I cross'd 
you so? 
O insupportable and touching loss!^ 
Upon what sickness? 

Bru. Impatient of my absence, 

And grief that young Octavius with Mark 

Antony 
Have made themselves so strong: — for with her 

death 
That tidings came; — with this she fell distracc, 
And, her attendants absent, swallow'd fire. 

Cas. And died so? 

Bru. Evn so. 

Cas.'^ O ye immortal gods! 

Re-enter Lucius, with wine and taper; he lights the 
big candle at back of table 

Bru. Speak no more of her. Give me a bowl 
of wine. 
In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.' 
Cas. My heart is thirsty for that noble 
pledge. {He drinks.) 
Fill, Lucius, till the wine o'erswell the cup;^ 
191 



^There have been sounds outside of arms and 
the tramp of war. Titinius and Messala can sit 
if there are stools; if not they stand, Messala R of 
Brutus, Titinius above table C. 

^The table gets covered with parchments, maps, etc. 

^Be careful of the accents in this line; toward is 
one syllable. Phil-ip-pi. 



192 



JULIUS C^SAR 

I cannot drink too much of Brutus' love. '"^ 
Bru. Come in, Titinius ! [Exit Lucius up L 

Re-enter Titinius with Messala from R 

Welcome, good Messala.^ 
Now sit we close about this taper here, 
And call in question our necessities. 

Cas. Portia, art thou gone? 

Bru. (With papers)^ No more, I pray you. 
Messala, I have here received letters. 
That young Octavius and Mark Antony 
Come down upon us with a mighty power. 
Bending their expedition toward Philippi^. 

Mes. (R). Myself have letters of the self- 
same tenour. 

Bru. (R C). With what addition? 

Mes. (R). That by proscription and bills of 
outlawry, 
Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus, 
Have put to death an hundred senators. 

Bru. Therein our letters do not well agree; 
Mine speak of seventy senators that died 
By their proscriptions, Cicero being one. 

Cas. Cicero one! 

Mes. (R). Cicero is dead, 

193 



^Messala does not know from Brutus^ hearing 
in this scene that he has heard of Portia^ s death. 

^'Brutus here breaks in, that they drop sentiment; 
he is desperate and turns to live things: the tragedies 
are to he completed. 

^Cassius has a curious faculty of heing wrong 
every time. In this case he would lay by and let 
the enemy attack, a clear sign of weakness, me- 
thinks. 



194 



JULIUS C^SAR 

And by that order of proscription.^ 
Had you your letters from your wife, my lord? 
Bru. No, Messala. 

Mes. Nor nothing in your letters writ of her? 
Bru. Nothing, Messala. 
Mes. That, methinks, is strange. 

Bru. Why ask you? hear you aught of her 

in yours? 
Mes. No, my lord. 

Bru. Now, as you are a Roman, tell me true. 
Mes. Then hke a Roman bear the truth I 
tell: 
For certain she is dead, and by strange manner. 
Bru. Why, farewell, Portia. We must die, 
Messala : 
With meditating that she must die once, 
I have the patience to endure it now. 
Mes. Even so great men great losses should 

endure. 
Cas. I have as much of this in art as you, 
But yet my nature could not bear it so. 
Bru.^ Well, to our work aUve. What do 
you think 
Of marching to Philippi presently? 
Cas.^ I do not think it good. 
195 



^There is too much good generalship to cut these 
speeches. Both the generals are seated at the table 
looking over maps and plans of campaign; the 
young captains are eagerly listening. 



196 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Bru. Your reason? 

Cas. This it is: 

'Tis better that the enemy seek us: 
So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers, 
Doing himself offence; whilst we, lying still, 
Are full of rest, defence, and nimbleness. 

Bru.^ Good reasons must, of force, give place 
to better. 
The people 'twixt Philippi and this ground 
Do stand but in a forc'd affection; 
For they have grudg'd us contribution: 
The enemy, marching along by them. 
By them shall make a fuller number up. 
Come on refresh'd, new-added, and encourag'd; 
From which advantage shall we cut him off, 
If at Philippi we do face him there, 
These people at our back. 

Cas. Hear me, good brother. 

Bru. Under your pardon. You must note 
beside 
That we have tried the utmost of our friends, 
Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe: 
The enemy increaseth every day; 
We, at the height, are ready to decline. 
. There is a tide in the affairs of men, 
197 



^Cassius rises here as if to break up the con- 
ference; begins buckling on sword, putting on hel- 
met, etc., assisted by Titinius L to L C. 

^Brutus rises. 

^Lucius is up stage when the generals rise. 

^Brutus and Cassius embrace; then Brutus goes 
with him to Ri. 



198 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune: 

Omitted, all the voyage of their life 

Is bound in shallows and in miseries. 

On such a full sea are we now afloat; 

And we must take the current when it serves, 

Or lose our ventures. 

Cas.'^ Then, with your mil, go on; 

We'll along ourselves, and meet them at Philippi. 

Bru.^ The deep of night is crept upon our 

talk. 
And nature must obey necessity; 
Which we will niggard with a little rest. 
There is no more to say? 

Cas. No more. Good night; 

Early to-morrow will we rise, and hence.^ 
Bru. Lucius! [Enter Lucius.] My gown. 

[Exit Lucius.] Farewell, good Messala: 

[Messala and Titinius meet up C] 
Good night, Titinius. (Z). Noble, noble Cas- 

sius, 
Good night, and good repose.^ 

CO'S. O my dear brother! 

This was an ill beginning of the night: 
Never come such division 'tween our souls! 
Let it not, Brutus. 



igg 



^The gown is somewhat like our dressing gown, 
and has an inside pocket with hook. 

^Lucius, always ready, goes up L and gets his lute. 

^Lucius goes to hack of tent up stage; Varro and 
Claudius enter from up R, and remain R; they 
eventually lie just at side of tent R U out of sight 
up stage. 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Bru. Every thing is well. 

Cas. Good night, my lord. 

Bru. Good night, good brother. 

Tit. Mes. Good night. Lord Brutus. 

Bru. {going back to tent) . Farewell, every one. 

[Exeunt all hut Brutus off R 

Re-enter Lucius, with the gown from L U 

Give me the gown.^ Where is thy instrument? 
Luc.^ Here in the tent. (Yawning) 
Bru. What, thou speak'st drowsily? 

Poor knave, I blame thee not; thou art o'er- 
watch'd. 

Call Claudius and some other of my men; 

I'll have them sleep on cushions in my tent. 
Luc.^ Varro and Claudius! 

Enter Vakro and Claudius 

Var. Calls my lord? 

Bru. I pray you, sirs, lie in my tent and 

sleep; 
[Lucius is tuning his instrument; he sits on 

ground L C. 
It may be I shall raise you by and by 
On business to my brother Cassius. 



^Lucius kneels by him and kisses his hand; 
Brutus has very little else left to love but this little 
lad. He does not tell him of Portia's death. 
Shakespeare so wonderfully avoids another sad 
scene, for Portia dearly loved this little lad, and 
he loved her. All unconsciously he sings a little 
song she had probably taught him. 

^The song is * ' My Pretty Little One." Don't let 
Lucius sing any inappropriate or modern ditty. 
It should be something simple that a boy would 
sing {not an operatic star); toward the end of the 
song his head drops, the lute slips from his hand, 
and he drops away in sleep. 



202 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Var. So please you, we will stand and watch 

your pleasure. 
Bru. I will not have it so : lie down, good sirs; 
It may be I shall otherwise bethink me. 
Look, Lucius, here's the book I sought for so; 
I put it in the pocket of my gown. 

[Var. and Clau. lie down 
Luc} I was sure your lordship did not give 
it me. [Yawns again 

Bru. Bear with me, good boy, I am much 
forgetful. 
Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhile, 
And touch thy instrument a strain or two? 
Luc. Ay, my lord, an 't please you. 
Bru. It does, my boy: 

I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing. 
Luc. It is my duty, sir. 
Bru. I will not hold thee long.^ If I do live, 
I will be good to thee. [Music, and a song^ 
This is a sleepy tune. O murd'rous slumber, 
Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy, 
That plays thee music? Gentle knave, good 

night; 
I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee: 
If thou dost nod, thou break'st thy instrument; 
203 



^Brutus takes the lute, puts the boy down to sleepy- 
takes the lute away up stage. He sits down to 
read R of table; is sleepily turning over the pages 
when Ccesar's Ghost appears at back C, and marches 
slowly down to top of table. Brutus reaches to 
snuf candle when he sees Ghost up C to L. 

^Be sure and time Ghosfs slow movement down 
stage, with the words. 

^Here the Ghost stands at top of table. 

^Ghost turns and goes straight up. 

^Ghost is up stage near L U exit; the Ghost should 
enter and disappear from behind tent; avoid lime- 
lights and gauzes if possible. 

^Calls the people to wake; they all get up except 
Lucius, who is still half asleep. 

Note: Through this scene Brutus remains rooted 
to his seat. He is amazed, but not afraid. He 
knows it is a visitation. 



204 



JULIUS CAESAR 

I'll take it from thee; and, good boy, good night.^ 
Let me see, let me see; is not the leaf turn'd down 
Where I left reading? Here it is, I think. 

Enter the Ghost of C^sar up L C of tent 

How ill this taper burns! Ha! who comes here? 
I think it is the weakness of mine eyes 
That shapes this monstrous apparition. 
It comes upon me. Art thou any thing? ^ 
Art thou some god, some angel, or some devil, 
That mak'st my blood cold and my hair to stare? 
Speak to me what thou art.^ 

Ghost. Thy evil spirit, Brutus. 

Bru. Why com'st thou? 

Ghosts To tell thee thou shalt see me at 
Philippi. 

Bru. Well; then I shall see thee again? 

Ghost.^ Ay, at Philippi. 

Bru. Why, I will see thee at Philippi, then. 

[Exit Ghost 
Now I have taken heart thou vanishest: 
111 spirit, I would hold more talk with thee. 
Boy, Lucius!® Varro! Claudius, Sirs, awake! 
Claudius ! 

Luc. The strings, my lord, are false. 
205 



^Brutus kneels down to him. 
-^Lucius gets up on knees. 

^Brutus is here wrought up and half afraid of the 
omen; needs confirmation of his vision. 

^All this scene must be kept up with great ex- 
citement. Brutus is unwilling to own that he saw 
CcBsar^s spirit. 

^He becomes the general and wants to end things. 

^Claudius and Varro salute and go of R. 
Brutus stoops and lifts the sleeping boy and carries 
him like a baby through the back of the tent. 

The last scene should open with loud salvos and 
flourishes. The warlike note is sustained till end 
of play. 

All in arm^our, swords drawn, shields, etc. 



206 



JULIUS CiESAR 

Bru. He thinks he still is at his instrument.^ 
Lucius, awake! 
Luc.^ My lord? 
Bru. Didst thou dream, Lucius, that thou so 

criedst out? 
Ltic. My lord, I do not know that I did cry. 
Bru.^ Yes, that thou didst: didst thou see 

any thing? 
Luc. Nothing, my lord. 
Bru. Sleep again, Lucius. Sirrah Claudius! 
To Var.] Fellow thou, awake!* 
Var. My lord?* 
Clau. My lord?* 
Bru. Why did you so cry out, sirs, in your 

sleep? 
Var. Clau. Did we, my lord? 
Bru. Ay: saw you any thing? 

Var. No, my lord, I saw nothing. 
Clau. Nor I, my lord. 

Bru.^ Go^and commend me to my brother 
Cassius; 
Bid him set on his powers betimes before, 
And we will follow. 

Var. Clau. It shall be done, my lord. 

[Exeuntf 
207 



^Both orders are given outside RI. The army 
of Brutus and the army of Octavius both have an 
S P Q R carried by a soldier. 



2SS 



ACT V 

Scene I. The plains of Philippi 

Enter Octavius,(i) Antony, (2) and their Army 
Jrom L 

Oct. (C) . Now, Antony, our hopes are answered : 
You said the enemy would not come down, 
But keep the hills and upper regions. 

Ant. (L C). Tut, I am in their bosoms, and 
I know 
Wherefore they do it: they could be content 
To visit other places; and come down 
With fearful bravery, thinking by this face 
To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage. 

Drum. Enter Brutus , Cassius , and their Army ; 
LuciLius, TiTiNius, Messala, and others 

Bru. {R). They stand, and would have 

parley.^ 
Cas. (R). Stand fast, Titinius: we must out 

and talk.^ 

209 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Oct. (C). Mark Antony, shall we give sign 

of battle? 
Ant. (L C.) No, Caesar, we will answer on 

their charge. 
Make forth; the generals would have some words. 

Enter Brutus, Cassius, and their Army R 

Oct. (C). Stir not until the signal. 

Bru. {R C). Words before blows: is it so, 

countrymen? 
Oct. {L C). Not that we love words better, 

as you do. 
Bru. {R C). Good words are better than 

bad strokes, Octavius. 
Ant. (L C). In your bad strokes, Brutus, you 
give good words: 
Witness the hole you made in Ceesar's heart, 
Crying "Long live! hail, Caesar!" 

Cas. (R). Antony, 

The posture of your blows are yet unknown; 
But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees, 
And leave them honeyless. 

Ant. Not stingless too. 

Bru. O, yes, and soundless too; 
For you have stol'n their buzzing, Antony. 



^Antony has struck right home; his politics is 
pretty had, hut he admired Ccesar. 



JULIUS C^SAR 

And very wisely threat before you sting. 

Ant. Villains, you did not so, when your vile 
daggers 
Hack'd one another in the sides of Caesar: 
You show'd your teeth like apes, and fawn'd like 

hounds. 
And bow'd Hke bondmen, kissing Csesar's feet; 
Whilst damned Casca, like a cur, behind 
Struck Caesar on the neck. O you flatterers! 
Cas. Flatterers! Now. Brutus, thank your- 
self:i 
This tongue had not offended so to-day, 
If Cassius might have rul'd. 
Oct. (C). Come, come, the cause. If arguing 
make us sweat. 
The proof of it will turn to redder drops. 
Look (he actually draws his sword). 
I draw a sword against conspirators; 
When think you that the sword goes up again? 
Never, till Caesar's three and thirty wounds 
Be well aveng'd; or till another Caesar 
Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors. 
Bru. Caesar, thou canst not die by traitors' 
hands. 
Unless thou bring'st them with thee. 
213 



^Antony laughs; he always despised Cassius; 
there was little moral balance to either of them. 

^Octavius and Antony both look up; this was as 
a kind of joke. Brutus and Cassius take a terribly 
serious view of it. 



214 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Oct. So I hope; 

I was not born to die on Brutus' sword. 

Bru. O, if thou wert the noblest of thy strain, 
Young man, thou couldst not die more honour- 
able. 
Cas. A peevish schoolboy, worthless of such 
honour, 
Join'd with a masker and a reveller! 
Ant} Old Cassius still! 
Oct, Come, Antony, away! 

Defiance, traitors, hurl we in your teeth: 
If you dare fight to-day, come to the field; 

{Crosses to L, laughing) 
If not, when you have stomachs. 

[Exeunt Octavius,^ Antony, andtheirArmy 
Cas. Why, now, blow wind, swell billow and 
swim bark! 
The storm is up, and all is on the hazard. 
Bru. Ho, Lucilius! hark, a word with you. 
Lucil. [Standing forth.] My lord! 

[Brutus and Lucilius converse apart upLC 
Cas. (R C). Messala! 
Mes. {R). [Standing forth] What says my 

general? 
Cas. Messala {R C), 
215 



JULIUS C^SAR 

This is my birthday; as this very day 
Was Cassius born. Give me thy hand, Messala : 
Be thou my witness that against my will, 
As Pompey was, am I compell'd to set 
Upon one battle all our liberties. 

Bru. Even so, Lucilius. {{Goes down to L 
They have been conversing up LU.) 

Cas. {R C). Now, most noble Brutus. 

The gods to-day stand friendly, that we may, 
Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age ! 
But since the affairs of ] men rest still in- 
certain, 
Let's reason with the worst that may befall. 
If we do lose this battle, then is this 
The very last time we shall speak together: 
What are you then determined to do? 

Bru. Even by the rule of that philosophy 
By which I did blame Cato for the death 
Which he did give himself, I know not how, 
But I do find it cowardly and vile. 
For fear of what might fall, so to prevent 
The time of life : arming myself with patience 
To stay the providence of some high powers 
That govern us below. 

Cas. {R C). Then, if we lose this battle, 
217 



^Brutus and Cassius embrace, putting hands on 
each other^s shoulders. 

^In order to blend these scenes Cassius and his 
men go of quickly Rl, Brutus remains as if giving 
orders to Messala. 



218 



JULIUS C^SAR 

You are contented to be led in triumph 
Through the streets of Rome? 

Bru. No, Cassius, no: think not, thou no'ole 
Roman {coming C), 
That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome; 
He bears too great a mind. But this same day 
Must end that work the ides of March begun; 
And whether we shall meet again I know not. 
Therefore our everlasting farewell take: 
For ever, and for ever, farewell, Cassius! 
If we do meet again, why, we shall smile; 
If not, why then, this parting was well made. 

Cas. For ever, and for ever, farewell, Brutus!^ 
If we do meet again, we'll smile indeed; 
If not, 'tis true this parting was well made. 

Bru. {R C). Why, then, lead on. 0, that 
a man might know 
The end of this day's business ere it come! 
But it sulBSceth that the day will end, 
And then the end is known. Come, ho! away!^ 

[Exeunt RI 
(Exeunt Rl: or go up, and remain on) 

Alarums keep up as in distance R and L. Cas- 
sius must go round quickly and come on at Ll. 
219 



JULIUS CiESAR 

No change of scene is needed. The field of battle. 

Alarum. Brutus and Messala up R 3 

Bru. Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these 
bills 
Unto the legions on the other side. 

[Loud alarum outside R 
Let them set on at once; for I perceive 
But cold demeanour in Octavius' wing. 
And sudden push gives them the overthrow. 
Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down. 

[Exeunt RI 

A change of scene is allowable, but unnecessary. 

Alarums. Enter Cassius(2) and Titinius(i) 

Cas. (C). O, look, Titinius, look, the villains 
fly! {He carries an S P QR ensign.) 
Myself have to mine own tum'd enemy; 
This ensign here of mine was turning back; 
I slew the coward, and did take it from him. 
Tit. {L C). O Cassius, Brutus gave the word 
too early; 
Who, having some advantage on Octavius, 
Took it too eagerly: his soldiers fell to spoil, 
Whilst we by Antony are all enclos'd. 



// Elizabethan, Pindarus gets up on balcony at 
back. If a scenic stage on the raised terrace or 
embattlement. 

"^Pindarus gets on balcony up C. 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Enter Pindarus from R 

Pin. (R). Fly further off , my lord, fly further 
off; 
Mark Antony is in your tents, my lord: 
Fly, therefore, noble Cassius, fly far off, 
Cas. This hill is far enough. Look, look, 
Titinius : 
Are those my tents where I perceive the fire? 
Tit. They are, my lord. 
Cas. (R C). Titinius, if thou lovest me. 
Mount thou my horse, and hide thy spurs in 

him. 
Till he have brought thee up to yonder troops, 
And here again; that I may rest assured 
Whether yond troops are friend or enemy. 
Tit. I will be there again, even with a 
thought. [Exit R U 

Cas. {R C). Go, Pindarus, (R) get higher on 
that hill: 
My sight was ever thick; regard Titinius, 
And tell me what thou not'st about the field. 

[Pindarus ascends the hilV- 
This day I breathed first: time is come round. 
And- where I did begin, there shall I end; 
My life is run his compass. Sirrah, what news? 
223 



^Cassius stands L C, faces Pindarus, who is 
R C; Cassius puts his pallium up and Pindarus 
practically goes right into his arms; Cassius falls 
C. 



224 



JULIUS CESAR 

Pin. [Above.] O my lord! {Looking off R.) 

Cas. What news? 

Pin. [Alove^ Titinius is enclosed round 
about 
With horsemen, that make to him on the spur; 
Yet he spurs on. Now they are almost on him. 
Now, Titinius ! Now some light. O, he lights too. 
He's ta'en. [Shouti\ And, hark! they shout for 
joy. 

Cas.^ Come down, behold no more 
O, coward that I am, to live so long, 
To see my best friend ta'en before my face! 

PiNDARUS descends R 

Come hither, sirrah: {Gets sword ready) 

In Parthia did I take thee prisoner; 

And then I swore thee, saving of thy life, 

That whatsoever I did bid thee do 

Thou shouldst attempt it. Come now, keep 

thine oath; 
Now be a freeman: and with this good sword 
That ran through Csesar's bowels, search this 

bosom. 
Stand not to answer: here, take thou the hilts; 
And, when my face is cover'd, as 'tis now,^ 
225 



^Pindarus pauses a moment for Cassius to die. 
^Titinius kneels above the dead body of Cassius. 



226 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Guide thou the sword. [Pindarus stabs him.] 

Cffisar, thou art reveng'd {He falls.) 
Even with the sword that kill'd thee, [Dies C 
Pin. So, I am free ; yet would not so have been, 
Durst I have done my will. Cassius, 
Far from this country Pindarus shall run. 
Where never Roman shall take note of him.^ 

[Exit Li running. 

Re-enter Titinius with Messala Ki 

Mes. It is but change, Titinius: for Octavius 
Is overthrown by noble Brutus' power, 
As Cassius' legions are by Antony. 

Mes. Is not that he that Hes upon the ground? 

Fit. He Ues not like the living. my heart! 

Mes. Is not that he? 

Tit. {Kneels C).^ No, this was he, Messala, 
But Cassius is no more. O setting sun, 
The sun of Rome is set! Our day is gone; 
Clouds, dews, and dangers come; our deeds are 

done! 
Mistrust of my success hath done this deed. 

Mes. Mistrust of good succes hath done this 
deed. 
But kill'st the mother that engender'd thee! 
227 



'^Takes wreath from his wrist, and as he holds 
the body in his arms places wreath on Cassius* 
head. 

^There should be at least eight soldiers on either 
side. Four of them lift the body of Titinius, four 
lift that of Cassius, and they march off R to slow 
measured drum-beats. A flourish and alarum 
as body goes of Ri. 

Brutus remains on stage. 



228 



JULIUS CESAR 

Tit. Where art thou, Pindarus? {Calls for him) 

Mes. Seek him, Titinius, whilst I go to meet 
The noble Brutus, thrusting this report into his 
ears. 

Tit. {Kneeling). Hie you, Messala, 
And I will seek for Pindarus the while. 

[Exit Messala L, running 
Why didst thou send me forth, brave Cassius? 
Did I not meet thy friends? and did not they 
Put on my brows this wreath of victory, 
And bid me give it thee? Didst thou not hear 

their shouts? 
Alas, thou hast misconstrued every thing! 
But, hold thee, take this garland on thy brow;^ 
Thy Brutus bid me give it thee, and I 
Will do his bidding. Brutus, come apace, 
And see how I regarded Caius Cassius. 
By your leave, gods: {kiss) this is a Roman's part: 
{finds sword) — Come, Cassius' sword, and find 
Titinius' heart. 

[Kills himself and falls over Cassius'' feet. T- 

Alarum. Re-enter Messala, with Brutus, young 
Cato, Strato, Volumnius, and Lucilius^ 

Bru. Where, where, Messala, doth his body lie? 
229^ 




Dardanius 




-Strato 



Brutus approaches each of his soldiers as they 
stand at ease. Strato goes L C when called. 



230 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Mes. Lo, yonder, and Titinius mourning it. 

Bru. Titinius' face is upward. 

Cato. He is slain. 

Bru. O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet! 
Thy spirit walks abroad, and turns our swords 
In our own proper entrails. [Low alarums 

Cato. Brave Titinius! 

Look, whether he have not crown'd dead Cassius! 

Bru. The last of all the Romans, fare thee well I 
It is impossible that ever Rome 
Should breed thy fellow. Friends, I owe more 

tears 
To this dead man than you shall see me pay. 
I shall find time, Cassius, I shall find time. 
Come, therefore, and to Thasos send his body: 
'Tis three o'clock; and, Romans, yet ere night 
We shall try fortune in a second fight. 
[Exeunt Ri soldiers with bodies] — a pause "^ 

Brutus, DAKDANros, Clitus, Strato, and 
VoLUMNius lower swords at exeunt. 

Bru. Come, poor remains of friends. 
Hark thee, Clitus. [Whispers 

Cli. (RC.) What, I, my lord? No, not for 
all the world. 

231 



JULIUS CJESAR 

Bru. Peace then! no words. 

Cli. I'll rather kill myself. 

Bru. Hark thee, Dardanius. \Whispers 

Dar. Shall I do such a deed? 

Cli. Dardanius! 

Dar. CHtus! 

Cli. What ill request did Brutus make to thee? 

Dar. To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates. 

Cli. Now is that noble vessel full of grief, 
That it runs over even at his eyes. 

Bru. Come hither, good Volumnius; list a 
word. 

Vol. What says my lord? {Goes to him) 

Bru. Why, this, Volumnius: 

The ghost of Csesar hath appear'd to me 
I know my hour is come. 

Vol. Not so, my lord. 

Bru. Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius. 

[Low alarums 
Thou know'st that we two went to school to- 
gether: 
Even for that our love of old, I prithee. 
Hold thou my sword-hilts, whilst I run on it. 

Vol. That's not an office for a friend, my lord. 

[Alarum still 
233 



JULIUS CiESAR 

CH. Fly, fly, my lord; there is no tarrying 
here. 

Bru. Farewell to you; and you; and you, 
Volumnius. {Strato is L.) 
Strato, thou has been all this while asleep, 
Farewell to thee too, Strato. Countrjrmen, 
My heart doth joy that yet in all my Hfe 
I found no man but he was true to me. 
I shall have glory by this losing day. 
So fare you well at once; for Brutus' tongue 
Hath almost ended his life's history: 
Night hangs upon mine eyes ; my bones would rest, 
That have but labour'd to attain this hour. 

[Alarum. Cry within, "Fly, fly, fly!" 

from R 

Cli. Fly, my lord, fly. 

Bru. {C) Hence! I will follow. 

{Exeunt Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius ofR 
I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord : 
Thou art a fellow of a good respect; 
Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it: 
Hold then my sword, and turn away thy face, 
While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato? 

Stra. Give me your hand first. Fare you 
well, my lord. 

235 



^Brutus dies in the same manner, holding up 
cloak so that audience do not see the stab. Strato 
remains standing over him L C. 

^Antony with drawn sword and shield crosses 
to body of Brutus, which is C, stands over him C 
to L till end. 



236 



JULIUS CESAR 

Bru. Farewell, good Strato. [Runs on his 
sword.] Caesar, now be still: 
I kill'd not thee with half so good a will. Dies^ 

Alarum. Retreat. Enter Octavius (i), An- 
TONY^ (2), Messala, Lucilius, and the Army 
from R 

Oct. (C). What man is that? 

Mes. (R). My master's man. Strato (Z, C), 

where is thy master? 
Stra. {L C). Free from the bondage you are 
in, Messala: 
The conquerors can but make a fire of him; 
For Brutus only overcame himself, 
And no man else hath honour by his death. 
Oct. (C). All that serv'd Brutus, I will enter- 
tain them. 
Fellow, wilt thou bestow thy time with 
me? 
Stra. (L). Ay, if Messala will prefer me to 
you. 
Oct. {Crosses to R). Do so, good Messala. 
Mes. (R). How died my master, Strato? 
Stra. (L). I held the sword, and he did run 
on it. 

237 




A Roman Soldier 

^Pointing with his sword over body of Brutus — 
C. If a scenic stage the soldiers raise body of 
Brutus for picture. If Elizabethan, four soldiers 
lift body and carry of R to low drum beats; Ccesar, 
Antony, and others following. 



238 



JULIUS C^SAR 

Mes. (R). Octavius, then take him to follow 
thee, 
That did the latest service to my master. 

Ant. (Crosses to C). This was the noblest 
Roman of them all. 
All the conspirators save only he 
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar; 
He only, in a general honest thought 
And common good to all, made one of them. 
His Ufe was gentle, and the elements 
So mix'd in him, that Nature might stand up 
And say to all the world, "This was a man!^" 

Oct. According to his virtue let us use him, 
With all respect and rites of burial. 
Within my tent his bones to-night shall lie, 
Most like a soldier, order'd honourably. 
So call the field to rest; and let's away 
To part the glories of this happy day. 

[Exeunt slow march R 



239 




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